The role of social determinants on unhealthy eating habits in an urban area in Mexico: A qualitative study in low-income mothers with a young child at home

Cultural factors related to childhood and adolescent obesity in Mexico: A systematic review of qualitative studies

“…All the included studies were published during or after 2010. Overall, 12 studies 33,35,36,[38][39][40][44][45][46]48,49,51 included children or adolescents, 12 included parents, 29,30,32,[34][35][36][37]41,42,47,49,51 eight included teachers, 28,30,31,35,36,43,49,51 four included school principals or other school staff (not directly in charge of the child's care), 28,30,43,49 four included school food vendors or school's kitchen staff, 28,30,43,49 and one included policymakers or academics (Table A1). 50 Most of the studies were qualitative and used structured or semi-structured interviews with thematic analysis.…”

“…Overall, the conception of a good diet was limited to consuming fruits and vegetables. 30,33,35,38,41,45,46,48,49 In the narratives, the term "junk food" usually refers to ultra-processed products with high fat, salt, and/or sugar content (e.g., crisps or candies) and were considered "unhealthy products." 33,35,36,42,43 Nevertheless, some discrepancies exist when identifying "junk" products across free codes.…”

“…For instance, sodas are considered "junk" or "unhealthy products," but most drinks (including sweetened juices and sports or sugary drinks but not sodas) were considered "healthy" by children, parents, and teachers. 33,35,36,[41][42][43] Also, parents often categorize cereals or starchy carbohydrates as "unhealthy," including "tortillas," made of cornflour and the Mexican cuisine base. [33][34][35][36][37]42,47,49 Children and some parents associate food's quantity (rather than quality) with obesity.…”

“…30,32,38,40,44 Parents limited childhood obesity to an esthetic problem and did not consider their children's weight status as a reason to seek medical advice. 29,30,32,34,35,37,41,42,47 Most codes from parents showed an unconcern for the risks associated with childhood obesity and appeared to excuse the obesogenic behaviors of their children. 29,30,32,34,35,37,42,47,51 Some parents showed concerns about tooth decay in children with obesity but not to potential comorbidities related to obesity.…”

“…30,32,35,46,[48][49][50] Traditional dishes (e.g., "tacos" or "enchiladas") seem to be valued by children and parents and are considered an ideal option to be provided as family meals. 30,33,41,46,49,51 Only a few parents noticed that traditional dishes are not always the "healthiest" option, especially if eaten away from home. 37,42 No children associated cooking methods with a higher risk of obesity.…”