As part of the Healthy Living, Happy Life strategy promoted by the Government of Mexico, nearly 4 million students from 27,409 public elementary schools have undergone health evaluations in a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). Results show that only 49.7% of children are within a healthy weight range, while 18.5% are overweight, 18.3% obese, and 13.5% underweight.
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that this strategy aims not only to treat illness but to prevent it from early childhood. In her statement, she stressed the importance of teaching healthy eating and physical activity habits from a young age, and eliminating junk food sales in schools. “Prevention is about building a healthy and fulfilling life,” she said.
During the Health Days campaign, 738 brigades were deployed with over 7,700 personnel, including medical staff, health promoters, and workers from DIF and SEP. Activities included weight and height measurements, oral health checkups, and educational talks. The collected data forms part of a school health file, which will be sent to parents and can also be accessed online through the official platform.
Zoé Robledo Aburto, Director of IMSS, reported that the institution has provided 37,899 medical services as a result of the program. Findings show a higher incidence of overweight cases in fourth and fifth grade students, with Campeche, Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Tabasco reporting the highest rates. Additionally, 55 out of every 100 children have dental cavities, and over 1.3 million suffer from vision problems—40% of whom were referred to opticians.
The program will continue throughout the 2025–2026 school year, with the goal of reaching 12 million girls and boys. Simultaneously, training for teachers on healthy eating is being reinforced. Currently, 11,131 teachers are enrolled in seminars, and 88,478 schools are participating. Of these, 86% have eliminated products with warning labels, and 80% guarantee access to natural water or sugar-free beverages.
