On April 30, 2025, Mexico celebrates Día del Niño, a day dedicated to honoring children with joy, games, and a variety of activities aimed at recognizing the importance of childhood. However, beneath the festive surface lies a growing crisis that affects millions of children: a significant rise in childhood obesity and malnutrition. Over the past two decades, childhood obesity rates among children aged five to eleven have almost doubled, increasing from 9% in 1999 to 17.5% in 2023, according to the Nutrition Risk Atlas for Children in Mexico, created by Save the Children and the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Child Rights and Opportunities (CEIDON). Today, more than 16 million minors aged between 5 and 19 are living with overweight or obesity in the country, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
The issue of child malnutrition in Mexico is more complex than mere food scarcity. There exists a painful paradox: children who do not suffer from hunger but are nonetheless malnourished, trapped in environments where ultra-processed foods high in fats, salt, and added sugars are more accessible than healthier options like fruits, fish, or fresh vegetables. Experts explain that nutrition cannot be analyzed without understanding the social and economic context that conditions it. Factors such as poverty, domestic violence, lack of access to clean drinking water, interruption of breastfeeding, changes in food production, and the educational level of parents all combine to deeply affect the nutritional development of children.
According to the report, 21 out of Mexico's 32 states present a high risk of childhood obesity in the first nine years of life. The most vulnerable areas include Nayarit and Baja California Sur, followed by San Luis Potosí, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. "The nutrition of children is such a basic right that no one can or should feel exempt from the responsibility," asserts David Calderón, general director of CEIDON.
The implications of childhood obesity extend beyond physical health. In addition to the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular diseases at an early age, children with obesity also face emotional and social consequences: low self-esteem, school bullying, and a negative body image that can follow them throughout their lives. A study published by The Lancet, conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), projects that in the next 25 years, one-third of the child and youth population worldwide will be overweight or obese, amounting to over 700 million individuals aged 5 to 24. Between 1990 and 2021, the global obesity rate in this age group tripled, with a staggering increase of 244%, reaching 174 million cases. The study concludes that current policies have failed to protect an entire generation from the unhealthy food environment surrounding them.
Despite institutional efforts and awareness campaigns, access to healthy food remains a privilege rather than a universal right. In many communities, the most common meals are not nutritious but practical: economical, caloric, and easily accessible, even if they contain ingredients that are more harmful in the long run. As families celebrate Día del Niño, the contrast between festive activities and the underlying health crisis becomes stark.
In Mexico City, the celebration of Día del Niño is vibrant, with events planned across the city. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 30, families can join in creative activities at 7056 N. Clark St., where kids will have the chance to make piñatas and salsa recipes, fostering a spirit of creativity and community.
The capital is buzzing with promotions and activities designed to delight children. Popular chains and local businesses are offering special deals: Krispy Kreme will feature a ball pool filled with surprise prizes from April 30 to May 4, where children can participate with a minimum purchase of $150 pesos. Meanwhile, Fiamma, a restaurant owned by Vadhir Derbez, will provide free pizzas for children under 15 starting at 5:30 p.m. on April 30, provided that an adult makes a menu purchase.
Other highlights include Nutrisa, which will give away a yogurt cone with the purchase of any soft ice cream, and Dairy Queen, offering a free small cone to children in costume when they buy a medium Blizzard. Additionally, the Alcaldía Magdalena Contreras will distribute 20,000 toys and 20,000 bags of candy to children under 12 who reside in the area, requiring only a birth certificate and identification from a parent or guardian.
For those looking for outdoor activities, the Zócalo will be transformed into a colorful "Zocalito de las Infancias" featuring art workshops, film screenings, and concerts with free admission, starting at 11 a.m. The Palacio Postal will host special performances of a Disney concert, while the MUNAL will present a symphonic concert at 11:30 a.m. The CENART will celebrate with its "Sonidos y Colores" family festival, blending music, theater, and dance.
Moreover, parks across the city offer perfect spots for a family outing. The Bosque de Chapultepec remains a favorite, featuring green spaces, museums, play areas, and the iconic Lago Mayor for boat rides. The Parque Bicentenario, with its botanical gardens and sports areas, is ideal for picnics and cycling, while the Parque Tezozómoc in Azcapotzalco provides a unique pre-Hispanic design for children to explore. Lastly, Parque La Mexicana in Santa Fe boasts modern play areas and a skatepark, catering to families looking for a blend of recreation and comfort.
As families revel in the festivities of Día del Niño, it is crucial to acknowledge the underlying issues affecting child nutrition and health. The celebration serves as both a reminder of the joy of childhood and the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure a healthier future for all children in Mexico.
