Mexico: will levy taxes on junk food to fight obesity epidemic

theguardian.com reported that the President calls for hour of exercise per day and a ‘change of culture’ as Mexico has higher rates of adult obesity than the US. Mexico has become the standard bearer in the global fight against obesity, after parliamentarians passed a law imposing significant new taxes on junk food and sugary drinks. The vote by congress is a triumph for the anti-obesity crusade of President Enrique Peña Nieto, who will now sign the measures into law. As the legislation was passed, he called for a “change of culture” in his country, including the incorporation of at least an hour of exercise for all Mexicans every day. Mexico has higher rates of adult obesity even than the United States, according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation this year – 32.8% against 31.8% of Americans. Read Article