Transforming Young Lives: Health Ministry Unveils New Initiative to Curb Soda Consumption Among Minors

More than ten years after Mexico introduced a sugary drink tax, the Health Ministry is kicking off a new campaign to curb soda consumption. President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that health isn’t just about treating illness but also about prevention, particularly regarding sugary beverages.

Despite the 2014 tax, soda consumption remains high. Health Minister David Kershenobich revealed that Mexicans consume an average of 166 liters of soda yearly, making Mexico a leader in sugary drink consumption. Alarmingly, 70% of children and teenagers drink soda daily, some even with their breakfast. This excessive intake is linked to serious health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. A single 600 ml soda packs about 12 to 15 teaspoons of sugar.

Recent statistics from 2024 show that heart disease and diabetes claimed 190,000 and 112,000 lives in Mexico, respectively. Kershenobich stressed the urgent need for preventive measures, given the high mortality from these diseases.

The Health Ministry plans to launch programs focused on educating children about healthy eating habits. Initiatives like “Live Healthy, Live Happy,” introduced by Sheinbaum, aim to change dietary habits in the younger population. Kershenobich believes these efforts are crucial in fighting chronic illnesses.

While the recent press conference emphasized education over taxation, experts argue for higher taxes on sugary drinks. Judith Senyacen Méndez, from the Center for Economic and Budgetary Research, claims that a 20% tax could reduce consumption by 16% to 19%. Iván Bremeunea, from the Fundar Center of Analysis and Research, suggests this tax could decrease obesity rates significantly and generate over 104 billion pesos (approximately $2.5 billion) annually.

Although the original one-peso-per-liter tax did reduce soda consumption initially, the impact has waned. Bremeunea advocates for increasing soda prices further, estimating that even a small price rise could lower obesity rates by 3.2%.

For more detailed insights, you can refer to sources from Instituto Mexicano de la Radio Noticias, Meganoticias, El Universal, and El Economista.

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