PUBLIC POLICY IN MEXICO FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN SCHOOL CHILDREN

Background and objectives: The excess weight in schoolchildren in Mexico is a serious health problem that has increased at an alarming rate. In 2010, the government established General Guidelines for the Dispensing or Distribution of Foods and Beverages at School Food Establishments (SFE) in Elementary Schools whose objective is to stop the epidemic of overweight and obesity. Objective: To evaluate the compliance with the Guidelines during two scholar periods (2011-2012 and 2012-2013), that correspond to stages II and III of their implementation, with regard to the availability and compliance with the established criteria for the sale of foods and beverages at SFE of public elementary schools. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in 39 schools that were randomly selected, from the national census of schools in Mexico. The foods and beverages available at schools were recorded in two school years, and their nutritional characteristics were compared to those established in the Guidelines. Linear, logistic or Poisson regression models were developed, according to the type of variable of interest, to make comparisons between the stages, within each food category. Results: A broad availability of energy dense foods that are not allowed in the SFE such as cookies, desserts and sweetened beverages, was found at the schools in both stages of the study. Less than 7% of the foods and drinks were vegetables, fruits and plain water. The food categories that met fewer of the nutritional criteria established in the Guidelines were prepared foods (fried and nonfried), as well as snacks. Conclusions: No changes were observed between stages in the compliance with the Guidelines for the availability of foods in schools. These results suggest that Guidelines must be promoted and provided with legal basis, to make its accomplishment mandatory.