According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 69.5% of the Mexican population aged 15 and older is overweight or obese. This is the highest rate in the world, even higher than in the United States -- which historically had the highest rate -- and the United Kingdom, which has the highest in Europe.  The Mexican government launched a campaign last year urging people to exercise, drink more water, and eat fruits and vegetables. President Felipe CalderÃ³n said that "since 1980, the percentage of overweight or obese Mexicans has tripled."  The problem starts early: 4.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 11 are already overweight. Many school districts have banned junk food in their facilities, but it's readily available right outside, much to the chagrin of parents. "You can see how many stands there are outside. And they're all selling junk food! I think they should also control what they sell out here," Daniela PiÃ±a said as she waited for her child outside a grammar school in Mexico City's Doctores neighborhood.  Adela Garcia, a stay-at-home mother, said parental responsibility plays a vital role in solving the problem. "It really starts at home," she said. "We as parents have to take that kind of food away from children so that they eat healthier."  Mexico's Institute for Public Health reports that the number of overweight or obese school-aged children increased from 18.4% in 1999 to 26.2% in 2006. It also says that diabetes -- of which obesity is a contributing factor -- has become the No. 1 cause of death in Mexico.
Sizing up the magnitude of Mexico's obesity problem is as simple as visiting a clothing manufacturer. At Arush, a clothing factory in Mexico City, the changing demand has modified production.