Objective: To assess the prevalence of risk of overweight, overweight, and the perception of hunger among Mexican children from Indian and migrant parents over the periods of 2001 and 2003 Method: A total of 1,200 and 1,452 children were measured to assess anthropometric status and their perception of hunger experience. Results: There was no difference between 2001 and 2003 in the total prevalence of risk of overweight and overweight in either boys or girls. The prevalence of abdominal obesity is higher in the 2003 group than in the 2001 group among girls older than 9y (p < 0.001). During 2003, the risk of hunger was higher (58%) than in 2001 (46%). Conclusion: The prevalence shown in our study is alarming since these children suffering from food insecurity have higher risk to develop obesity and diabetes during adulthood, particularly if they show rapid catchup fat after periods of economic recession.

Hunger Mexican migrants Childhood obesity Abdominal obesity Prevalence

Indian human sex difference risk assessment child nutrition Overweight economic aspect ethnic group obesity controlled study Mexico Humans Hispanic male female Risk Factors high risk population prevalence Article major clinical study migration Emigration and Immigration anthropometry food intake child care hunger Child