Share of food group expenditure in Mexican households according to the gender of the head of household and size of the locality.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in the percentage of expenditure on food groups in Mexican households according to the gender of the household head and the size of the locality. DESIGN: Analysis of secondary data from the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) 2018. We estimated the percentage of expenditure on fifteen food groups according to the gender of the head of household and locality size and evaluated the differences using a two-part model approach. SETTING: Mexico, 2018. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of 74 647 Mexican households. RESULTS: Female-headed households allocated a lower share of expenditure to the purchase of sweetened beverages and alcoholic beverages and higher percentages to milk and dairy, fruits and water. In comparison with metropolitan households, households in rural and urban localities spent more on cereals and tubers, sugar and honey, oil and fat and less on food away from home. CONCLUSIONS: Households allocate different percentages of expenditure to diverse food groups according to the gender of the head of the household and the size of the locality where they are located. Future research should focus on understanding the economic and social disparities related to differences in food expenditure, including the gender perspective.

Taxes to Unhealthy Food and Beverages and Oral Health in Mexico: An Observational Study.

In January 2014, taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and nonessential energy-dense food were implemented in Mexico to discourage the consumption of these products. Published evaluations have shown reductions in purchases of taxed food and beverages associated with the implementation of this fiscal policy. Although there are some studies on the impact on health based on simulation studies, no evaluations with empirical data on changes in oral health have been published. We used administrative records and data from an epidemiological surveillance system to estimate changes in (1) outpatient visits related to dental caries; (2) having experienced dental caries: Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) >0 for permanent dentition or dmft >0 for primary dentition (dmft); (3) number of teeth with caries experience (DMFT and dmft), (4) cases with DMFT >0 or dmft >0, and (5) the series of mean DMFT or dmft, associated with the taxes. We estimated probit and negative binomial models for outcomes at individual level, and interrupted time series analysis for population-level outcomes. The implementation of the taxes was associated with negative changes in the trends of outpatient visits, as well as for cases with DMFT >0, dmft >0 and mean DMFT. Taxes were also associated with a lower probability of having experienced dental caries and with a lower number of teeth with caries experience in the samples studied. Our results suggest positive impacts of the implementation of taxes on unhealthy food and beverages in the oral health of Mexicans, which are the first health benefits observed, and add to the health benefits predicted by modeling studies.

Association between density of stores and purchases of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages in Mexico.

In Mexico, purchases of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and the number of large supermarkets, discount and convenience stores are growing. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between the density of different types of food stores and ultra-processed food and SSB (taxed beverages) purchases in a representative sample of Mexican households. Results show that the density of convenience stores (national and in urban areas) was significantly associated with higher purchases of ultra-processed food and that supermarkets were marginally associated. Our findings are stronger for beverages where we found that convenience stores, discount stores, small grocery stores and stores speciliazed in selling candies, popsicles, soft drinks and other food were associated with higher purchases of taxed beverages. Mexico should implement or strengthen current policies to reduce purchases of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages and to regulate the location and density of stores.

[High prevalence of anemia in Mexican women in poverty, Ensanut 100k]. / Alta prevalencia de anemia en mujeres mexicanas en pobreza, Ensanut 100k.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of anemia in Mexican women and their association with sociodemographic factors and diet diversity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed information of women in childbearing age. The Ensanut 100k is a probabilistic survey that overrepresents households with less economic capacity. Anemia was estimated using hemoglobin concentration. We collected sociodemographic and health information, food insecurity, and dietary diversity. RESULTS: 34.3% of the women presented anemia, belong to tertile 3 of welfare status is a protective factor for anemia (OR= 0.26, 95%CI 0.16-0.61), and living in a household with food security, as well as high diversity of the diet in rural women (OR= 0.57, 95%CI 0.36-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to implement actions of detection and early attention of the anemia in women in childbearing age, identification of its underlying causes, strengthening and reformulation of strategies to prevent it.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia y distribución de anemia en mujeres mexicanas y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos y la diversidad de la dieta. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron mujeres en edad fértil de la encuesta probabilística Ensanut 100k, que representa a los hogares con menos capacidades económicas. Se estimó la prevalencia de anemia mediante concentración de hemoglobina, con información sociodemográfica, de salud, inseguridad alimentaria y diversidad de la dieta. RESULTADOS: El 34.3% de las mujeres presentó anemia; los factores protectores para anemia fueron pertenecer al tercil 3 de condición de bienestar (OR=0.26, IC95% 0.16-0.61), alta diversidad de la dieta en áreas rurales (OR=0.57, IC95%0.36-0.92), así como vivir en un hogar con seguridad alimentaria. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario implementar acciones de detección y atención temprana de la anemia en las mujeres de edad fértil, así como identificar las causas subyacentes y fortalecer y reformular estrategias para prevenirla.

[Food security in Mexican households in poverty, and its association with access, availability and consumption]. / La seguridad alimentaria en los hogares en pobreza de México: una mirada desde el acceso, la disponibilidad y el consumo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in the magnitude of food insecurity (FI) in Mexican households in poverty from 2012 to 2018 and to analyze the association of FI with the access, availability and consumption of food. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on 4 464 households were drawn from the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición in Mexican localities under 100 000 inhabitants (Ensanut 100k). We measured FI according to the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale and analyzed food access and availability on the basis of food expenditures while consumption through dietary diversity among women. Using multiple logistic regression models, we estimated: the association between FI and expenditures for food groups, and the association between FI and dietary diversity. RESULTS: Moderate and severe FI remained stable at 43% from 2012 to 2018. Larger expenditures on sugar, oil and on eating out as well as meat and dairy products consumption were associated with a lower possibility of FI. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to integrate different dimensions of FI in order to reinforce its measurement and monitoring.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar cambios en la magnitud de la inseguridad alimentaria (IA) en hogares mexicanos en pobreza, en el periodo entre 2012 y 2018 y analizar la asociación entre IA y acceso, disponibilidad y consumo de alimentos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyó información de 4 464 hogares de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición en localidades de México con menos de 100 000 habitantes (Ensanut 100k). La IA se midió con la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria. El acceso y la disponibilidad se analizaron con gasto en alimentos, mientras que el consumo se analizó con la diversidad de la dieta en mujeres. Se estimó la asociación entre IA y gasto en alimentos y la asociación entre IA y diversidad de la dieta con modelos de regresión logística múltiple. RESULTADOS: La IA moderada y severa se mantuvo en 43% entre 2012 y 2018. Mayor gasto en azúcar, aceite y comida fuera de casa, así como el consumo de carnes y lácteos, se asociaron con menor posibilidad de IA. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante integrar distintas dimensiones de la IA para fortalecer su medición y monitoreo.

Alta prevalencia de anemia en mujeres mexicanas en pobreza, Ensanut 100k / High prevalence of anemia in Mexican women in poverty, Ensanut 100k

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia y distribución de anemia en mujeres mexicanas y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos y la diversidad de la dieta. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron mujeres en edad fértil de la encuesta probabilística Ensanut 100k, que representa a los hogares con menos capacidades económicas. Se estimó la prevalencia de anemia mediante concentración de hemoglobina, con información sociodemográfica, de salud, inseguridad alimentaria y diversidad de la dieta. Resultados: El 34.3% de las mujeres presentó anemia; los factores protectores para anemia fueron pertenecer al tercil 3 de condición de bienestar (OR=0.26, IC95% 0.16-0.61), alta diversidad de la dieta en áreas rurales (OR=0.57, IC95%0.36-0.92), así como vivir en un hogar con seguridad alimentaria. Conclusiones: Es necesario implementar acciones de detección y atención temprana de la anemia en las mujeres de edad fértil, así como identificar las causas subyacentes y fortalecer y reformular estrategias para prevenirla.

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of anemia in Mexican women and their association with sociodemographic factors and diet diversity. Materials and methods: We analyzed information of women in childbearing age. The Ensanut 100k is a probabilistic survey that over-represents households with less economic capacity. Anemia was estimated using hemoglobin concentration. We collected sociodemographic and health information, food insecurity, and dietary diversity. Results: 34.3% of the women presented anemia, belong to tertile 3 of welfare status is a protective factor for anemia (OR= 0.26, 95%CI 0.16-0.61), and living in a household with food security, as well as high diversity of the diet in rural women (OR= 0.57, 95%CI 0.36-0.92). Conclusions: It is necessary to implement actions of detection and early attention of the anemia in women in childbearing age, identification of its underlying causes, strengthening and reformulation of strategies to prevent it.

La seguridad alimentaria en los hogares en pobreza de México: una mirada desde el acceso, la disponibilidad y el consumo / Food security in Mexican households in poverty, and its association with access, availability and consumption

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar cambios en la magnitud de la inseguridad alimentaria (IA) en hogares mexicanos en pobreza, en el periodo entre 2012 y 2018 y analizar la asociación entre IA y acceso, disponibilidad y consumo de alimentos. Material y métodos: Se incluyó información de 4 464 hogares de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición en localida des de México con menos de 100 000 habitantes (Ensanut 100k). La IA se midió con la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria. El acceso y la disponibilidad se analizaron con gasto en alimentos, mientras que el consumo se analizó con la diversidad de la dieta en mujeres. Se estimó la asociación entre IA y gasto en alimentos y la asociación entre IA y diversidad de la dieta con modelos de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: La IA moderada y severa se mantuvo en 43% entre 2012 y 2018. Mayor gasto en azúcar, aceite y comida fuera de casa, así como el consumo de carnes y lácteos, se asociaron con menor posibilidad de IA. Conclusión: Es importante integrar distintas dimensiones de la IA para fortalecer su medición y monitoreo.

Abstract: Objective: To assess changes in the magnitude of food insecurity (FI) in Mexican households in poverty from 2012 to 2018 and to analyze the association of FI with the access, availability and consumption of food. Materials and methods: Data on 4 464 households were drawn from the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición in Mexican localities under 100 000 inhabitants (Ensanut 100k). We measured FI according to the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale and analyzed food access and availability on the basis of food expenditures while consumption through dietary diversity among women. Using multiple logistic regression models, we estimated: the association between FI and expenditures for food groups, and the association between FI and dietary diversity. Results: Moderate and severe FI remained stable at 43% from 2012 to 2018. Larger expenditures on sugar, oil and on eating out as well as meat and dairy products consumption were associated with a lower possibility of FI. Conclusions: It is important to integrate different dimensions of FI in order to reinforce its measurement and monitoring.

Cost-Effectiveness Of The Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Excise Tax In Mexico.

An excise tax of 1 peso per liter on sugar-sweetened beverages was implemented in Mexico in 2014. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of this tax and an alternative tax scenario of 2 pesos per liter. We developed a cohort simulation model calibrated for Mexico to project the impact of the tax over ten years. The current tax is projected to prevent 239,900 cases of obesity, 39 percent of which would be among children. It could also prevent 61,340 cases of diabetes, lead to gains of 55,300 quality-adjusted life-years, and avert 5,840 disability-adjusted life-years. The tax is estimated to save $3.98 per dollar spent on its implementation. Doubling the tax to 2 pesos per liter would nearly double the cost savings and health impact. Countries with comparable conditions could benefit from implementing a similar tax.

[Determinants of non-essential energy-dense food consumption in Mexican population (Ensanut 2012).] / Determinantes del consumo de alimentos no básicos de alta densidad energética en población mexicana (Ensanut 2012).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the sociodemographic profile associated with the probabilities of consumption of nonessential energy-dense foods (ANBADE), taxed since 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut) 2012. ANBADE group was identified and probit models were estimated for the probabilities of consumption (PC) and of belonging to the high quintile of consumption after adjusting for total energy intake (PAC), as a function of sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: School-aged children have a PAC 10.7 percentage points (pp) higher vs. preschool-aged. Belonging to households with the highest expenditures or education of the head of the household are associated with a PC 3.3 or 3.2 pp higher vs. households with lower expenditures or education of the head, respectively. Living in metropolitan areas is associated with a PAC 5.2 pp higher vs. rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified the sociodemographic conditions associated with the largest PC or PAC of ANBADE, which may be considered in the design and evaluation of food policy.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar el perfil sociodemográfico que se asocia con las probabilidades de consumo de alimentos no básicos de alta densidad energética (ANBADE), gravados desde 2014. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2012. Se identificó el grupo de ANBADE y se estimaron modelos probit sobre las probabilidades de consumo (PC) y de alto consumo después de ajustar por energía total (PAC), en función de características sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS: Los escolares tienen 10.7 puntos porcentuales (pp) más PAC frente a los preescolares. Pertenecer a hogares con el mayor gasto o escolaridad del jefe se asocia con una PC 3.3 y 3.2 pp mayor en comparación con los hogares de menor gasto o escolaridad del jefe, respectivamente. Vivir en localidades metropolitanas se asocia con una PAC 5.2 pp mayor frente a localidades rurales. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio identificó las condiciones sociodemográficas que se asocian con las mayores PC o PAC de ANBADE, que podrán considerarse en el diseño y evaluación de la política alimentaria.

Determinantes del consumo de alimentos no básicos de alta densidad energética en población mexicana (Ensanut 2012) / Determinants of non-essential energy-dense food consumption in Mexican population (Ensanut 2012)

Resumen: Objetivo: Caracterizar el perfil sociodemográfico que se asocia con las probabilidades de consumo de alimentos no básicos de alta densidad energética (ANBADE), gravados desde 2014. Material y métodos: Se utilizó la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2012. Se identificó el grupo de ANBADE y se estimaron modelos probit sobre las probabilidades de consumo (PC) y de alto consumo después de ajustar por energía total (PAC), en función de características sociodemográficas. Resultados: Los escolares tienen 10.7 puntos porcentuales (pp) más PAC frente a los preescolares. Pertenecer a hogares con el mayor gasto o escolaridad del jefe se asocia con una PC 3.3 y 3.2 pp mayor en comparación con los hogares de menor gasto o escolaridad del jefe, respectivamente. Vivir en localidades metropolitanas se asocia con una PAC 5.2 pp mayor frente a localidades rurales. Conclusiones: El estudio identificó las condiciones sociodemográficas que se asocian con las mayores PC o PAC de ANBADE, que podrán considerarse en el diseño y evaluación de la política alimentaria.

Abstract: Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic profile associated with the probabilities of consumption of nonessential energy-dense foods (ANBADE), taxed since 2014. Materials and methods: We used the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut) 2012. ANBADE group was identified and probit models were estimated for the probabilities of consumption (PC) and of belonging to the high quintile of consumption after adjusting for total energy intake (PAC), as a function of sociodemographic characteristics. Results: School-aged children have a PAC 10.7 percentage points (pp) higher vs. preschool-aged. Belonging to households with the highest expenditures or education of the head of the household are associated with a PC 3.3 or 3.2 pp higher vs. households with lower expenditures or education of the head, respectively. Living in metropolitan areas is associated with a PAC 5.2 pp higher vs. rural areas. Conclusions: The study identified the sociodemographic conditions associated with the largest PC or PAC of ANBADE, which may be considered in the design and evaluation of food policy.

Reduction in purchases of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods in Mexico associated with the introduction of a tax in 2014.

In 2014, an 8% tax on energy-dense nutrient-poor foods was implemented in Mexico with the aim of reducing its consumption. This paper estimated changes in household purchases of taxed food. We used the latest five waves of the nationally representative Mexican Income and Expenditure Survey (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016). The analytic sample comprises 154,777 households. We estimated changes in purchases based on a before and after comparison. Results show a reduction in purchases of taxed food of -5.4 g/week per capita, equivalent to a relative reduction of -5.3% in the 2014 and 2016 waves compared to the 2008, 2010 and 2012 rounds. The largest relative reductions were in urban areas (-6.9%), among households with children (-7.0%), households where the head had an intermediate educational level (-9.9%) and the southern region (-14.8%). We did not find a significant reduction in rural areas. While there is a large heterogeneity, the fiscal instrument has been effective in reducing taxed food purchases and has generated substantial revenue that could be used to finance policies for the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Trends in Ultra-Processed Food Purchases from 1984 to 2016 in Mexican Households.

Global trade agreements have shaped the food system in ways that alter the availability, accessibility, affordability, and desirability of ready-to-eat foods. We assessed the time trends of ultra-processed foods purchases in Mexican households from 1984 to 2016. Cross-sectional data from 15 rounds of the National Income and Expenditure Survey (1984, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016) were analyzed. Food and beverage purchases collected in a daily record instrument (over seven days) were classified according to their degree of processing according to the NOVA food framework: (1) Unprocessed or minimally processed foods; (2) processed culinary ingredients; (3) processed foods; and (4) ultra-processed foods. From 1984 to 2016, the total daily energy purchased decreased from 2428.8 to 1875.4 kcal/Adult Equivalent/day, there was a decrease of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (from 69.8% to 61.4% kcal) and processed culinary ingredients (from 14.0% to 9.0% kcal), and an increase of processed foods (from 5.7% to 6.5% kcal) and ultra-processed foods (from 10.5% to 23.1% kcal). Given that ultra-processed foods purchases have doubled in the last three decades and unprocessed or minimally processed foods purchased have gradually declined, future strategies should promote the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, and discourage ultra-processed foods availability and accessibility in Mexico.