Prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the socioeconomic transition of rural Mayas of Yucatan from 1962 to 2000.

Background: The Mayas of the State of Yucatan in Mexico are the only aboriginal group with obesity and diabetes data before 1997. Objective: To analyze socioeconomic trends associated with the increase in obesity and diabetes seen in rural Yucatan from 1962 to 2000. Methods: Body weight, height and venous Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) were measured in 263 rural Maya adults participating in a 2000 nutrition survey. Results: Diabetes (FBG > 125 mg/dL) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were 10.6% and 35.7%, respectively. These results contrast with those of a 1962 survey where diabetic prevalence was 2.3% and 0% in women and men respectively, with widespread adult pellagra and malnutrition. An important socioeconomic transition that took place in Yucatan during this lapse appeared to be associated to the obesity and diabetes increase. Conclusions: Rural Yucatan evolved from malnutrition conditions to high prevalence of obesity and diabetes in less than 40 years. This change was associated with the transition from an agroindustry-based economy, characterized by high-energy expenditure and low protein intake, to lower energy requirements of a Government-subsidized economy with larger food supply.

Association between Apolipoprotein E Variants and Obesity-Related Traits in Mexican School Children.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Genetic variation in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has a key role in lipid metabolism. However, its contribution to the amount and distribution of body fat is under investigation. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between genetic variation in ApoE and obesity-related traits in Mexican school children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric, body composition and physical activity measures were conducted using standard methods in 300 children (177 girls/123 boys) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. DNA was isolated from saliva. ApoE genotypes were analyzed by allelic discrimination. The association between variation in ApoE and anthropometric and body composition measures was investigated using the General Linear Model. RESULTS: The mean±SD values for age, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were 9.05±0.80 years, 19.01±3.83 and 67.98±10.97 cm, respectively. Approximately 46% of the participants were overweight or obese. A significant association between ApoE isoforms and WC was found after controlling for age, sex and the percentage of physical activity (p=0.025). Significant main effects were found for vigorous physical activity and light physical activity influencing the adiposity-related BMI (p<0.001) and WC (p=0.044), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in ApoE and physical activity intensity were associated with adiposity-related phenotypes in Mexican school children.