Mexico legislator proposes reform to combat youth sedentary lifestyles

Mexican Deputy Paola Milagros Espinosa Sánchez (PAN) has introduced a legislative initiative to reform Article 50 of the General Law on the Rights of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents. The proposal seeks to mandate coordination between federal, state, and municipal authorities to combat sedentary lifestyles by promoting regular physical activity.

The initiative addresses structural health issues in Mexico, including malnutrition, overweight, obesity, and eating disorders. Data cited in the proposal indicates that only 32.6 percent of students aged 10 to 14 engage in at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity four days a week. Additionally, 35.9 percent of adolescents aged 15 to 19 exhibit physical inactivity, while 25 percent maintain high levels of sedentary behavior.

Espinosa Sánchez highlighted that prolonged screen time—including television, video games, and mobile devices—is a significant risk factor for physical and mental health, contributing to early cardiovascular diseases and obesity.