Mexico's Child Obesity Affects 30‑40% of Schoolchildren, Peaks in Chihuahua

The health secretary of Querétaro, Martina Pérez Rendón, reported that between 30 % and 40 % of schoolchildren evaluated in the state are overweight or obese, matching the national health‑nutrition survey. The state’s “Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz” program identified excess weight as the main problem among students and warned that early obesity raises the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, urging parents to promote healthier habits.

In the neighboring state of Chihuahua, the health department recorded 1,156 new cases of obesity among children and adolescents aged 5‑14. Almost half of these cases (48 %) were in Ciudad Juárez, with another 31 % in the city of Chihuahua, together accounting for roughly 79 % of the state’s total. Officials highlighted the long‑term health complications and called on families to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and limit screen time.