Convenience stores: an obesogenic promoter in a metropolitan area of northern Mexico?

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity in the Mexican school-age (5-11 years old) population increased from 8.9 to 18.1% between 1999 and 2022. Although overweight and obesity (OW + Ob) is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon, alongside its increasing trend, changes in eating patterns as a result of obesogenic environments that promote higher energy intake have been documented. The objective of the present study was to detect possible associations between schools and their proximity to and density of convenience stores in Monterrey, Mexico from 2015 to 2018. Materials and methods: Anthropometric data were obtained from a subset of measurements of the National Registry of Weight and Height (RNPT) performed in the Monterrey Mexico metropolitan area in 2015 and 2018, and obesity prevalence was computed and classified into quintiles at the school level. Convenience store data were obtained from the National Directory of Economic Units (DNUE). The analyses consisted of densities within 400-800 m buffers, distance to the nearest stores, and cartographic visualization of the store's kernel density versus OW + Ob hotspots for both periods. Results: A total of 175,804 children in 2015 and 175,964 in 2018 belonging to 1,552 elementary schools were included in the study; during this period, OW + Ob prevalence increased from 38.7 to 39.3%, and a directly proportional relationship was found between the quintiles with the higher OW + Ob prevalence and the number of stores for both radii. Hotspots of OW + Ob ranged from 63 to 91 between 2015 and 2018, and it was visually confirmed that such spots were associated with areas with a higher density of convenience stores regardless of socioeconomic conditions. Conclusion: Although some relationships between the store's proximity/density and OW + Ob could be identified, more research is needed to gather evidence about this. However, due to the trends and the magnitude of the problem, guidelines aimed at limiting or reducing the availability of junk food and sweetened beverages on the school's periphery must be implemented to control the obesogenic environment.

Overweight and obesity in the Mexican school-age population from 2015 to 2019.

Introduction: Objectives: to analyze the changes of Ow+Ob in a cohort with four years of evolution of students from Mexico elementary schools and to evaluate its association with socio-demographic factors. Methods: information comes from a nutritional surveillance system of 52,545 elementary schools, with weight and height measurements from 2,008,474 children from six to eleven years old. A follow-on panel longitudinal analysis was performed from 2015 to 2019 in a dynamic cohort with three measurements. Ow+Ob prevalences were obtained; through a logistic regression with random effects, odds ratios (OR) were calculated, adjusting by sociodemographic characteristics (p < 0.05). Results: between 2015 and 2019, positive OR were observed for Ow+Ob development in 2017-2018 (OR = 1.02) and 2018-2019 (OR = 1.06). Students from the northern and southern regions of the country showed a greater probability of suffering Ow+Ob (OR = 1.58 and 1.64) when compared with the center. Attending to community or indigenous schools was a protective factor (OR = 0.54) whereas attending to a private school increased the risk (OR = 1.75). Adjusted Ow+Ob prevalences showed an accelerated increasing trend in males through all the periods. Conclusions: in Mexico, obesity in school children is a growing problem related to sociodemographic factors, therefore, urgent actions are needed for its restraining.

Introducción: Introducción: México se sitúa dentro de los primeros lugares a nivel mundial en cuanto a sobrepeso y obesidad en escolares, con una prevalencia del 38,2 %. Objetivo: analizar los cambios de sobrepeso y obesidad (Sob+Ob) durante cuatro años en una cohorte de alumnos de escuelas primarias en México y evaluar su asociación con factores sociodemográficos. Métodos: la información proviene de un sistema de vigilancia nutricional en escolares. Se realizó un análisis longitudinal de panel con seguimiento a través de una corte dinámica de tres mediciones realizadas entre 2015 y 2019. Se obtuvieron las prevalencias de Sob+Ob a través de una regresión logística con efectos aleatorios y se calcularon razones de momios (OR), ajustando por características sociodemográficas. Resultados: entre 2015 y 2019 se observaron OR positivos para el desarrollo de Sob+Ob, 2017-2018 (OR = 1,02) y 2018-2019 (OR = 1,06). Los estudiantes de las regiones norte y sur del país mostraron una mayor probabilidad de sufrir Sob+Ob (OR = 1,58 y 1,64) en comparación con el centro. La asistencia a escuelas comunitarias o indígenas fue un factor protector (OR = 0,54), mientras que la asistencia a una escuela privada aumentó el riesgo (OR = 1,75). Las prevalencias ajustadas de Sob+Ob demostraron una tendencia creciente acelerada en los hombres a lo largo de todos los periodos. Conclusiones: en México, la obesidad en escolares es un problema creciente relacionado con factores sociodemográficos, por lo que se requieren acciones urgentes para su contención.

Overweight and obesity in the Mexican school-age population from 2015 to 2019 / Sobrepeso y obesidad en la población mexicana en edad escolar entre 2015 y 2019

Introduction: between 2006 and 2020, obesity in Mexico increased across all age groups and displayed a homogenizing evolutionary trend throughout, prevalence overweigth and obesity (Ow+Ob) has 38.2% in school age children. Objectives: to analyze the changes of Ow+Ob in a cohort with four years of evolution of students from Mexico elementary schools and to evaluate its association with socio-demographic factors. Methods: information comes from a nutritional surveillance system of 52,545 elementary schools, with weight and height measurements from 2,008,474 children from six to eleven years old. A follow-on panel longitudinal analysis was performed from 2015 to 2019 in a dynamic cohort with three measurements. Ow+Ob prevalences were obtained; through a logistic regression with random effects, odds ratios (OR) were calculated, adjusting by sociodemographic characteristics (p < 0.05). Results: between 2015 and 2019, positive OR were observed for Ow+Ob development in 2017-2018 (OR = 1.02) and 2018-2019 (OR = 1.06). Students from the northern and southern regions of the country showed a greater probability of suffering Ow+Ob (OR = 1.58 and 1.64) when compared with the center. Attending to community or indigenous schools was a protective factor (OR = 0.54) whereas attending to a private school increased the risk (OR = 1.75). Adjusted Ow+Ob prevalences showed an accelerated increasing trend in males through all the periods. Conclusions: in Mexico, obesity in school children is a growing problem related to sociodemographic factors, therefore, urgent actions are needed for its restraining. (AU)

Introducción: México se sitúa dentro de los primeros lugares a nivel mundial en cuanto a sobrepeso y obesidad en escolares, con una prevalencia del 38,2 %. Objetivo: analizar los cambios de sobrepeso y obesidad (Sob+Ob) durante cuatro años en una cohorte de alumnos de escuelas primarias en México y evaluar su asociación con factores sociodemográficos. Métodos: la información proviene de un sistema de vigilancia nutricional en escolares. Se realizó un análisis longitudinal de panel con seguimiento a través de una corte dinámica de tres mediciones realizadas entre 2015 y 2019. Se obtuvieron las prevalencias de Sob+Ob a través de una regresión logística con efectos aleatorios y se calcularon razones de momios (OR), ajustando por características sociodemográficas. Resultados: entre 2015 y 2019 se observaron OR positivos para el desarrollo de Sob+Ob, 2017-2018 (OR = 1,02) y 2018-2019 (OR = 1,06). Los estudiantes de las regiones norte y sur del país mostraron una mayor probabilidad de sufrir Sob+Ob (OR = 1,58 y 1,64) en comparación con el centro. La asistencia a escuelas comunitarias o indígenas fue un factor protector (OR = 0,54), mientras que la asistencia a una escuela privada aumentó el riesgo (OR = 1,75). Las prevalencias ajustadas de Sob+Ob demostraron una tendencia creciente acelerada en los hombres a lo largo de todos los periodos. Conclusiones:en México, la obesidad en escolares es un problema creciente relacionado con factores sociodemográficos, por lo que se requieren acciones urgentes para su contención. (AU)

Mala nutrición en población escolar mexicana: factores geográficos y escolares asociados.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar prevalencias de mala nutrición [sobrepeso u obesidad (Sp+O) y talla baja (TB)] en población mexicana de 6 a 12 años de edad de nivel básico de primaria, y su asociación con características geográficas (ámbito, marginación y región del país), y de la escuela (tipo, turno y grado). MÉTODOS: Con información de 10 528 676 escolares, se estimaron prevalencias (e I.C. 95%), a nivel nacional y por características de interés, y su asociación mediante modelos de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia nacional de Sp+O fue 34.4%, 36.5% en ámbito urbano y 40.2% en escuelas privadas. La prevalencia nacional de TB fue 8.7%; en área rural, 13.7% y 28.8% en escuelas tipo indígenas. El Sp+O y la TB se asociaron significativamente con características geográficas y de escuelas. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una polarización nutricional en el contexto escolar del país. Es importante continuar con sistemas de monitoreo y vigilancia nutricional.

Cambios en sobrepeso y obesidad en escolares mexicanos de primarias públicas entre 2015 y 2018.

Objetivo. Cuantificar los cambios de sobrepeso y obesidad (SO+O) y determinar su asociación con características sociodemográficas en escolares mexicanos de primarias públicas durante 2015 y 2018. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal comparativo. Se analizaron 6.5 millones de alumnos de 59 724 escuelas. La información deriva del Registro Nacional de Peso y Talla (RNPT) en cuatro periodos escolares, de 2015 a 2019, para niños de 6 a 12 años. Se estimaron razones de momios (RM) y prevalencias ajustadas mediante regresión logística ordinal generalizada. Resultados. Las RM fueron positivas para SO+O y para obesidad en el sexo masculino, ámbito urbano y baja marginación (p<0.001). La mayor prevalencia ajustada tanto para sobrepeso como para obesidad se reportó en 2016 (p<0.001). La región Sur manifestó ascensos constantes y significativos para obesidad durante cuatro periodos. Conclusión. El RNPT permite detectar diversas características de riesgo actual para el desarrollo de SO+O en escuelas primarias del país.

Cambios en sobrepeso y obesidad en escolares mexicanos de primarias públicas entre 2015 y 2018 / Overweight and obesity changes among Mexican school-age children from public elementary schools between 2015 and 2018

Resumen: Objetivo: Cuantificar los cambios de sobrepeso y obesidad (SO+O) y determinar su asociación con características sociodemográficas en escolares mexicanos de primarias públicas durante 2015 y 2018. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal comparativo. Se analizaron 6.5 millones de alumnos de 59 724 escuelas. La información deriva del Registro Nacional de Peso y Talla (RNPT) en cuatro periodos escolares, de 2015 a 2019, para niños de 6 a 12 años. Se estimaron razones de momios (RM) y prevalencias ajustadas mediante regresión logística ordinal generalizada. Resultados: Las RM fueron positivas para SO+O y para obesidad en el sexo masculino, ámbito urbano y baja marginación (p<0.001). La mayor prevalencia ajustada tanto para sobrepeso como para obesidad se reportó en 2016 (p<0.001). La región Sur manifestó ascensos constantes y significativos para obesidad durante cuatro periodos. Conclusión: El RNPT permite detectar diversas características de riesgo actual para el desarrollo de SO+O en escuelas primarias del país.

Abstract: Objective: To quantify changes in overweight and obesity and determine their association with sociodemographic characteristics in Mexican schoolchildren from public schools between 2015 and 2018. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional comparative study. The data of children between 6 an 12 years old was obtained from the National Register of Weight and Height (RNPT) during four years: 2015 trough 2019. Odds ratios (OR) and adjusted prevalences were estimated using generalized ordinal logistic regression. Results: A rough total of 6.5 million of children from 59 724 schools were studied. The OR's were positive for overweight and obesity (OW+OB) in male gender, urban locality and low marginalization (p<0.001). The greater adjusted probability of overweight and obesity found in 2016 (p<0.001). The country's south region shown constant and significative increases in obesity probabilities. Conclusion: The RNPT allows a real time detection of the various risk characteristics involved in overweight and obesity development in the country elementary schools.

[Metabolic syndrome in children aged 6 to 12 years with obesity in public schools of seven municipalities in the State of Mexico]. / Síndrome metabólico en niños de 6 a 12 años con obesidad, en escuelas públicas de siete municipios del Estado de México.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS), its components and its association with obesity and cardiovascular risk in school age children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 1,017 children from 6 to 12 years of age. Anthropometric information, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc and triglycerides were collected. The presence of MS and its components were determined by criteria of Cook et. al. (2003), modified for children and adolescents. In the analysis, the children were grouped by aged group of 6 to 9 and 10 to 12 years. The association between MS, obesity and cardiovascular risk was estimated using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test and logistic regression. RESULTS: The MS was present with 54.6% in obese children. Obesity was the characteristic of greater association to suffer from MS with an OR=8.62 p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: MS is high among children with obesity, and is mostly associated with insulin resistance and atherogenic risk.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico(SM), sus componentes y su asociación con la obesidad y el riesgo cardiovascular en niños en edad escolar. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de 1 017 niños de 6 a 12 años de edad. Se recabó información antropométrica, presión sanguínea, glucosa, insulina, colesterol, colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDLc, por sus siglas en inglés), colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDLc, por sus siglas en inglés) y triglicéridos. La presencia de SM y sus componentes se determinaron a partir de los criterios de Cook y colaboradores (2003), modificados para niños y adolescentes. Para el análisis se establecieron dos grupos de edad, con niños de 6 a 9, por un lado, y de 10 a 12 años de edad, por el otro. La asociación entre SM, obesidad y riesgo cardiovascular fue estimada mediante las pruebas t de Student y U de Mann-Whitney, ji cuadrada y regresión logística. RESULTADOS: El SM estuvo presente en 54.6% de los niños obesos. La obesidad fue la característica de mayor asociación para padecer SM, con una razón de momios (RM) de 8.62 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONES: El SM es alto en niños con obesidad, y su asociación con la resistencia a la insulina y el riesgo aterogénico es considerable.

Síndrome metabólico en niños de 6 a 12 años con obesidad, en escuelas públicas de siete municipios del Estado de México / Metabolic syndrome in children aged 6 to 12 years with obesity in public schools of seven municipalities in the State of Mexico

Resumen Objetivo Estimar la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (SM), sus componentes y su asociación con la obesidad y el riesgo cardiovascular en niños en edad escolar. Material y métodos Estudio transversal de 1 017 niños de 6 a 12 años de edad. Se recabó información antropométrica, presión sanguínea, glucosa, insulina, colesterol, colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDLc, por sus siglas en inglés), colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDLc, por sus siglas en inglés) y triglicéridos. La presencia de SM y sus componentes se determinaron a partir de los criterios de Cook y colaboradores (2003), modificados para niños y adolescentes. Para el análisis se establecieron dos grupos de edad, con niños de 6 a 9, por un lado, y de 10 a 12 años de edad, por el otro. La asociación entre SM, obesidad y riesgo cardiovascular fue estimada mediante las pruebas t de Student y U de Mann-Whitney, ji cuadrada y regresión logística. Resultados: El SM estuvo presente en 54.6% de los niños obesos. La obesidad fue la característica de mayor asociación para padecer SM, con una razón de momios (RM) de 8.62 (p<0.001). Conclusiones El SM es alto en niños con obesidad, y su asociación con la resistencia a la insulina y el riesgo aterogénico es considerable.

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS), its components and its association with obesity and cardiovascular risk in school age children. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study of 1,017 children from 6 to 12 years of age. Anthropometric information, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc and triglycerides were collected. The presence of MS and its components were determined by criteria of Cook et al. (2003), modified for children and adolescents. In the analysis, the children were grouped by aged group of 6 to 9 and 10 to 12 years. The association between MS, obesity and cardiovascular risk was estimated using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test and logistic regression. Results The MS was present with 54.6% in obese children. Obesity was the characteristic of greater association to suffer from MS with an OR=8.62 p<0.001. Conclusions MS is high among children with obesity, and is mostly associated with insulin resistance and atherogenic risk.

Retraso del Neurodesarrollo, Desnutrición y Estimulación Oportuna en Niños Rurales Mexicanos / Delayed Neurodevelopment, Malnutrition and Timely Stimulation in Rural Mexican Children

Resumen A nivel mundial 162 millones de niños no alcanzaron un desarrollo pleno de sus capacidades (Organización de las Naciones Unidas [ONU], 2014). El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de retraso en el neurodesarrollo y de estimulación oportuna de niños residentes de comunidades marginadas de diversas entidades rurales de México, y cuantificar su asociación con el estado de nutrición y otras variables sociodemográficas. Realizamos un estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo y de asociación. La muestra fue de 37,495 niños de entre 11 y 13 meses de edad, provenientes de 1,830 localidades rurales de 750 municipios de las 32 entidades de la República Mexicana. El retraso leve del neurodesarrollo ocurrió en el 32.1%, el retraso moderado en el 21.9% y el grave en el 17.2%. El retraso grave se presentó en mayor medida en el estado de Guerrero, Chiapas y Puebla. La condición de estimulación Favorable se presentó en el 52.5%. La asociación entre la estimulación oportuna, el estado de nutrición y el neurodesarrollo es evidente y estadísticamente significativa (p<0.0001). La estimulación insuficiente fue la característica de mayor asociación para padecer atraso en el neurodesarrollo moderado y grave con una razón de momios de 3.440 (p<0.001). Estos datos son relevantes ya que no existe información hasta el momento que nos indique esta asociación cuantificada.

Abstract Worldwide, 162 million children did not reach full development of their capacities (United Nations Organization [UN], 2014). The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of delayed neurodevelopment and timely stimulation of children living in marginalized communities of various rural entities in Mexico, and quantify their association with nutritional status and other sociodemographic variables. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and association study. The sample was of 37,495 children between 11 and 13 months of age, coming from 1,830 rural localities of 750 municipalities of the 32 entities of the Mexican Republic. The slight delay of neurodevelopment occurred in 32.1%, the moderate delay in 21.9% and the severe delay in 17.2%. The serious delay occurred to a greater extent in the state of Guerrero, Chiapas and Puebla. The Favorable stimulation condition was presented in 52.5%. The association between timely stimulation, nutritional status and neurodevelopment is evident and statistically significant (p <0.0001). Insufficient stimulation was the characteristic of greater association to suffer from delay in moderate and severe neurodevelopment with an odds ratio of 3,440 (p <0.001). These data are relevant since there is no information up to the moment that this quantified association indicates.

Novel association of the R230C variant of the ABCA1 gene with high triglyceride levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Mexican school-age children with high prevalence of obesity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder that includes a cluster of several risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The R230C variant of the ABCA1 gene has been associated with low HDL-cholesterol in several studies, but its association with MetS in children remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of the R230C variant with MetS and other metabolic traits in school-aged Mexican children. METHODS: The study was performed in seven urban primary schools in the State of Mexico. Four hundred thirty-two Mexican school-age children 6-13 years old were recruited. MetS was identified using the International Diabetes Federation definition. The R230C variant of the ABCA1 gene was genotyped to seek associations with MetS and other metabolic traits. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 29% in children aged 10-13 years. The R230C variant was not associated with MetS (OR = 1.65; p = 0.139). Furthermore, in the whole population, the R230C variant was associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels (ß coefficient = -3.28, p <0.001). Interestingly, in the total population we found a novel association of this variant with high triglyceride levels (ß coefficient = 14.34; p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: We found a new association of the R230C variant of the ABCA1 gene with high triglyceride levels. Our findings also replicate the association of this variant with low HDL-cholesterol levels in Mexican school-age children.

Conocimientos en nutrición, sobrepeso u obesidad en mujeres de estratos socioeconómicos bajos de la Ciudad de México

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la asociación entre los conocimientos sobre nutrición con el sobrepeso u obesidad en mujeres responsables del hogar, de familias de estratos socioeconómicos bajos de la Ciudad de México, provenientes de la Encuesta Urbana de Alimentación y Nutrición en la Zona Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México 2002 (ENURBAL 2002), con un diseño estratificado, polietápico y por conglomerados. Se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística ordinal para evaluar la asociación entre obesidad y sobrepeso u obesidad con conocimientos sobre nutrición y otras variables sociodemográficas y dietéticas. Los factores asociados para sobrepeso u obesidad fueron el tener conocimientos correctos sobre nutrición (OR=2,00; IC95%=1,13- 3,54) o regulares (OR=1,54; IC95%=1,03-2,30); ser mayor de 30 años de edad (OR=3,00; IC95%=1,94-4,64); ser analfabeta o tener primaria incompleta (OR=2,00; IC95%=1,14- 3,51), así como pertenecer al nivel socioeconómico medio bajo (OR=2,04; IC95%=1,33-3,15) y el consumo alto de grasas (OR=1,65; IC95%=1,07-2,55). Para obesidad fueron ser mayor de 30 años de edad (OR=2,42; IC95%=1,48-3,94) y el consumo alto de grasas (OR=1,67; IC95%=1,05-2,66). Se concluye que los resultados ayudan a identificar factores asociados con sobrepeso u obesidad en mujeres de estratos socioeconómicos bajos, en específico con conocimientos sobre nutrición. Se pone de manifiesto la importancia de considerar los conocimientos que tiene la población, para plantear estrategias de intervención en el control y en la prevención del sobrepeso y de la obesidad.

The objective of this study was to identify the association between knowledge about nutrition with the presence of obesity or overweight in women with low income in Mexico City. Data was obtained with the Urban Food and Nutrition Survey 2002 in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (ENURBAL 2002), a stratified multistage and clustered design survey. An ordinal logistic regression model was used in order to estimate the probability to present obesity and overweight or obesity, in relation to nutritional knowledge, age, education, employment, socioeconomic status, and total fat consumption. The variables that were related to overweight or obesity: correct or regular nutrition knowledge (OR=2,00; CI95%=1,13-3,54) and (OR=1,54; CI95%= 1,03-2,30), respectively; age 30 years (OR=3,00; CI95%= 1,94-4,64), , belonging to a medium - low socioeconomic status (OR=2,04; CI95%=1,33-3,15), and high fat consumption (OR=1,65; CI95%=1,07-2,55). For obesity was age 30 years (OR=2,42; IC95%=1,48-3,94) and high fat consumption (OR=1,67; IC95%=1,05-2,66). Our results helped to identify associated factors in women with obesity and overweight from low income households, mainly those concerning with nutrition knowledge. This emphasizes the importance of improving knowledge about nutrition, in planning the strategy for interventions aimed to prevent overweight and obesity.

[Nutritional knowledge and its association with overweight and obesity in Mexican women with low socioeconomic level]. / Conocimientos en nutrición, sobrepeso u obesidad en mujeres de estratos socioeconómicos bajos de la Ciudad de México.

The objective of this study was to identify the association between knowledge about nutrition with the presence of obesity or overweight in women with low income in Mexico City. Data was obtained with the Urban Food and Nutrition Survey 2002 in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (ENURBAL 2002), a stratified multistage and clustered design survey. An ordinal logistic regression model was used in order to estimate the probability to present obesity and overweight or obesity, in relation to nutritional knowledge, age, education, employment, socioeconomic status, and total fat consumption. The variables that were related to overweight or obesity: correct or regular nutrition knowledge (OR = 2,00; CI95% = 1,13-3,54) and (OR = 1,54; CI 95%= 1,03-2,30), respectively; age 30 years (OR = 3,00; CI 95% = 1,94-4,64), belonging to a medium- low socioeconomic status (OR = 2,04; CI 95% = 1,33-3,15), and high fat consumption (OR = 1,65; CI 95% = 1,07-2,55). For obesity was age 30 years (OR = 2,42; IC 95% = 1,48-3,94) and high fat consumption (OR = 1,67; IC 95% = 1,05-2,66). Our results helped to identify associated factors in women with obesity and overweight from low income households, mainly those concerning with nutrition knowledge. This emphasizes the importance of improving knowledge about nutrition, in planning the strategy for interventions aimed to prevent overweight and obesity.

[Diabetes mellitus within low socioeconomic strata in Mexico City: a relevant problem]. / La diabetes mellitus en estratos socioeconómicos bajos de la ciudad de México: un problema relevante.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feeding and nutrition conditions and its relation with diabetes mellitus (DM-2) in adult population (> 30 years) a sample belonging to the low socioeconomic stratum of the Mexico City metropolitan area was studied. They were participants in the Second Feeding and Nutrition Survey in the Mexico City metropolitan area. (ENURBAL-2002). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information collected by the ENURBAL 2002 was used in order to evaluate the relationship between some risk factors and diabetes mellitus in adult population of low economical level. Logistical regression analysis was applied. RESULTS: A complete set of 1279 individuals with ages over 30 years was studied. The 9.9% (IC 95% 7.9, 12.4) had been previously diagnosed as diabetics and 3.9% (IC 95% 2.9, 5.4) were not been diagnosed but their glycemia reached diabetic levels. Total diabetes prevalence observed in this study was 13.8% (IC 95% 11.7, 16.3). People with good score on its knowledge about nutrition, as well as high total fat intake, are significant and positively associated with DM-2 (RM = 2.41, IC 95% 1.09, 5.35 and RM = 2.14 IC 95% 1.24, 3.69, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus was highly prevalent among adult (> 30 years population) mainly on the lower socioeconomic stratum of Mexico City. This result is important to promote changes in life style that allow to prevent its appearance by modifying the obesigenic environment and changes in the feeding patterns.

General characteristics of food in developing regions-a situational diagnostic assessment.

Since the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1946, it has reported on the serious problem of hunger in the world and has undertaken various initiatives for eradicating this problem; however, they have ended in failure. The number of people suffering from hunger has increased from 500 to 800 million in a period of six decades, despite constant growth in world food production, which has been more than sufficient to cover the needs of all of humanity since the 1970s. This paper analyses FAO initiatives in the framework of the evolution of the nutritional situation in developing countries and identifies national and regional contexts in which technical solutions may be successful, as well as those requiring the implementation of economic, political and social measures.

[The tortilla subsidy in Mexico: a nutritional or economic program?]. / El subsidio a la tortilla en México: un programa nutricional o económico?

To evaluate the impact of the tortilla subsidy on the family food consumption, on its economy and on the nutritional condition of women and under five children, from three marginal zones, with the purpose of focus nutritional interventions. Fifty families were randomly selected in each one of three similar low income sectors of the Oaxaca city. One received subsidy, other has never received it and the third received it five years ago but not at present. Anthropometry was performed in all women of reproductive age and children under five years old. In the first BMI was the indicator used and in children weight for age with two standard deviations was the cut-off point. The tortilla represents between 13.6% to 20% of the family expenditure. Anyhow the energy, protein and some nutrient consumption was higher. The malnutrition index was better in the subsidy community as 12.0% of under five children were low weight for age against 19.2% in the other two communities. The tortilla family expenditure represents 45% of their income and the subsidy reduces it 9%, surely this help a better nutrient consumption and improves the nutritional condition of the poor and marginated urban sectors of the society.

La desnutrición infantil en el medio rural mexicano / Children malnutrition in rural Mexico

Objetivo. Conocer la situación nutricional de la población infantil del medio rural mexicano, comparándola con la situación previa y localizando las zonas más afectadas. Material y métodos. La muestra estuvo conformada por 38 232 familias, pertenecientes a 855 localicades, seleccionadas probabilísticamente. Se tomaron medidas antropométricas a 31 601 menores de cinco años. El análisis se realizó en consideración a la población de referencia peso/edad, peso/talla y talla/edad. Resultados. La desnutrición global afecta a 42.7 por ciento de los niños de acuerdo con el indicador de peso/edad (IC = 1.9 por ciento); hace 22 años las formas de desnutrición moderada y severa eran de 17.4 por ciento y actualmente son de 19.3 por ciento. Respecto a talla/edad afectada a 55.9 por ciento (IC = 1.9 por ciento), y a peso/talla a 18.9 por ciento. Conclusiones. La ENAL96 muestra que la desnutrición sigue siendo un problema muy grave, que no se ha solucionado y que sigue afectando a las regiones del sur en donde hay mayor prevalencia de grupos indígenas