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Weekly Chart: Obese and at Risk in the Americas

By Pablo Medina Uribe

Rising obesity rates spell a health crisis: diabetes rates have tripled in the region since 1980.

In 2013, Mexico surpassed the United States as the most obese country in the world. In response, the government implemented a soda tax to discourage the consumption of sugary drinks. The plan didn’t work, and Mexico continues to struggle with the issue.

But Mexico is not the only country in the region facing this problem. Fifty-six percent of Latin Americans are overweight (meaning they have a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or more) or obese (BMI of 30 or more). In contrast, the global average is 34 percent. All of this is leading to a health crisis: diabetes rates in the Americas have tripled since 1980.

AS/COA Online took a look at the data on obesity and its associated health risks.

 

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