Childhood obesity: current situation in Mexico

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science
• Genetics

Background:

• Mexico faces a significant public health challenge with a 33.2% combined prevalence of overweight and obesity in children reported in 2016.
• Childhood obesity is a complex condition influenced by a multifactorial etiology, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of contributing elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a literature review identifying factors associated with obesity in Mexican children.
• To explore the roles of genetic predispositions, dietary patterns, sedentary behaviors, and gut microbiota composition.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies focusing on childhood obesity in Mexico.
• Analysis of genetic polymorphisms (e.g., MC4R, FTO, ADRB1, PON-1192, ADIPOR2, AMY) and their association with obesity and related metabolic conditions.
• Examination of dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and gut microbiome profiles in relation to pediatric obesity.

Main Results:

• Specific genetic polymorphisms (e.g., MC4R, FTO, ADRB1) and PON-1192 are linked to increased obesity risk and insulin resistance in Mexican children.
• The ADIPOR2 gene variant (rs11061971) and higher AMY gene copy numbers appear to be protective against obesity.
• Obese Mexican children exhibit altered gut microbiota, with a higher abundance of Firmicutes and B. eggerhii bacteria, linked to a diet high in carbohydrates, fats, and sugary drinks.

Conclusions:

• Childhood obesity in Mexico is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic factors, dietary transitions, sedentary lifestyles, and gut microbiome alterations.
• Effective interventions must be diverse and involve governmental bodies, parents, and health professionals, emphasizing nutrition education in primary schools to combat rising prevalence and prevent comorbidities.