Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The Battle for Mexico


Government and CrossFit affiliates fight against Big Soda in a nation where sugary beverages are part of the culture.



"The average family in Mexico (eats) breakfast with soda," said Pablo Romo, owner of CrossFit Lava in Mexico. "They eat (lunch) with soda, they eat dinner with soda. Soda all the time."



In 2011, Mexico led the world in soda consumption, with an average per capita consumption of 43 gallons per year. Unsurprisingly, the country also leads the world in adult obesity. As of 2014, more than 70 percent of adults in Mexico were overweight and 32 percent were obese, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.



The country has the world's highest death rate from chronic disease caused by sugary drinks, and Mexico City's secretary of health, Armando Ahued Ortega, expressed concern that the high rate of diabetes is causing Mexico's health system to collapse.



A few years ago, those concerned about public health in Mexico saw disaster looming and fixed their sights on soda.

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