12% of Mexicans suffer from malnutrition

Mexican officials say about 12% of Mexicans suffer from malnutrition, a situation they blamed in part on consumption of junk food. Officials told legislators the problem is more common in rural areas.
The Health Department said Saturday the problem is often reflected in anemia, protein deficit and an imbalance in micronutrients.
Simon Barquera, the head of the country’s health and nutrition research center, said marketing and junk food were the main drivers of unhealthy consumption patterns.
“Marketing, economic interests and the influence of the junk food industry are the main drivers of consumption patterns in the Mexican population that create health problems,” Barquera said.