An exploratory analysis conducted based on the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 reveals that the northern region of Mexico is characterized by a high consumption of food from various groups, including legumes, dairy, eggs, and processed meats, the latter of which are considered unhealthy. On the other hand, in Mexico City and the southern region of the country, there is a lower consumption of legumes, dairy, processed meats, plain water, and eggs, with no marked predominance in the consumption of any particular type of food.
In the central zone, there is a notable higher consumption of fruits, meat, fast food, sweets, and sweetened dairy beverages, among others. This analysis reveals that the northern and central regions of the country show greater diversity in food consumption, both healthy and unhealthy. It is highlighted that the food groups with the highest consumption in the central and southern areas are those considered unhealthy and healthy, respectively.
A relevant aspect is that groups 8 and 9 are the most consumed in the central and southern areas, corresponding to an unhealthy food and a healthy one, respectively. The collected data reflects the need to delve deeper into the analysis of dietary habits in the Mexican population to strengthen the benefit of the population.
In conclusion, the importance of policies in public health nutrition is emphasized, evidencing both positive outcomes and areas of opportunity that require attention. The prevalence of healthy and unhealthy eating habits in Mexico, specifically in the population aged 4 to 11 years, is a topic of interest that requires comprehensive actions to address the challenges related to food and obesity in this population.
It is essential to continue deepening the analysis of the social determinants of health and the risk factors associated with dietary habits, in order to design effective public policies that promote healthy food options and contribute to combating childhood obesity in the country.
