Fueledbytherisingpopularityofsoftdrinksandfast£­foodrestaurants,Mexicohasbecomethesecondfattestnationintheworld.MexicanhealthofficialssayitcouldsurpasstheUSasthemostobesecountrywithin10yearsiftrendscontinue.

Morethan71percentofMexicanwomenand66percentofMexicanmenareoverweight,accordingtothelatestnationalsurveys.

WithdiabetesnowMexico£§sleadingcauseofdeath,activistsandleadershopetoreneweffortstocrackdownonjunkfoodandotherfatty£­foodconsumptionandencouragecitizenstoexercisemore.Butitwillbeatoughbattle,asindustrygroupsareexpectedtoputupafight.

Nooneknowsbetterthecountry£§saffectionforfatª²teningfoodsthanLidiaGarciaGarduno,who£§srunafruitstandincentralMexicoCityforthepast10years.

¡åPeopledon£§teatrightanymore,¡åsaidGarciaGarª²duno¡åInsteadofcominghereandpurchasingafruitdrink,theyprefertowalkacrossthestreetandbuyfriedporkchops.That£§swhysomanyMexicansareobese.¡å