Over the past six decades, the way people in Mexico eat has changed dramatically. A new study looked at what Mexicans have been eating from 1960 to 2020 and found some concerning trends. People are now consuming almost 900 extra calories per day compared to 60 years ago. The types of foods have also shifted—people are eating more meat, oils, and sugary foods (often in processed products), while eating fewer beans and complex carbohydrates. These changes help explain why obesity has become such a big health problem in Mexico today, affecting nearly 3 out of 4 adults.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How the typical Mexican diet has changed over 60 years, including how many calories people eat and what types of foods make up those calories
- Who participated: This study analyzed national food data from Mexico covering the entire population from 1960 to 2020, rather than studying individual people
- Key finding: The average Mexican person now eats about 900 more calories every day than they did in 1960, with a bigger shift toward fatty foods and away from beans and whole grains
- What it means for you: Understanding these changes helps explain why weight problems have become so common in Mexico. If you’re Mexican or eat a similar diet, being aware of these trends may help you make healthier food choices, though individual habits vary greatly
The Research Details
Researchers used official food data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that tracks what foods Mexico produces, imports, and consumes from 1960 to 2020. Instead of asking people what they eat, they analyzed national food supply information to understand overall eating patterns. They looked at how many calories people consume daily, how much protein, fat, and carbohydrates come from different sources, and which specific foods have become more or less popular over time.
This approach is like looking at a country’s food receipt over 60 years rather than checking individual shopping carts. It shows big-picture trends in what’s available and consumed at a national level. The researchers tracked changes in major food groups including grains, legumes (beans), meat, oils, and sugary products.
National food data provides a reliable way to see long-term eating trends that would be impossible to track by asking individuals. People often forget or misreport what they eat, but government food supply data is collected consistently over decades. This helps scientists understand the ’nutrition transition’—how diets change as countries develop economically. Understanding these patterns is crucial for public health planning and explaining why obesity rates have increased so dramatically in Mexico.
This study uses official government data from a reputable international organization (FAO), which is a strength. However, national food supply data shows what’s available to eat, not exactly what each person actually consumes. Some food is wasted, and individual eating habits vary. The study doesn’t include personal factors like exercise or genetics that also affect weight. The data is comprehensive and covers 60 years, which is excellent for seeing long-term trends.
What the Results Show
The most striking finding is that daily calorie consumption per person increased by nearly 900 calories over 60 years. To put this in perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to adding an extra large meal to what people ate in 1960. This massive increase happened gradually over the decades as Mexico’s economy grew and food became more available.
The types of calories changed significantly too. The amount of calories from fat increased by 9 percentage points, meaning fat now makes up a larger share of total calories. At the same time, calories from complex carbohydrates (like whole grains and beans) decreased. This shift is important because complex carbohydrates are generally healthier and more filling than simple fats and sugars.
Specific foods tell the story of this change. Consumption of legumes (beans and lentils)—traditional Mexican foods high in protein and fiber—has declined noticeably. Meanwhile, meat consumption has risen, along with vegetable oils and sugar-sweetened products. Many of these new foods are ultra-processed, meaning they’re heavily manufactured with added ingredients rather than whole foods.
The research shows that the increase in calories wasn’t evenly distributed across all food types. The rise in meat, oils, and sugar-sweetened products accounts for much of the extra calories. Ultra-processed foods—products with many added ingredients, preservatives, and added sugars—have become much more common in the Mexican diet. These foods are typically higher in calories, salt, and sugar while being lower in nutrients compared to whole foods. The decline in traditional foods like beans represents a loss of nutrient-dense options that kept people fuller longer.
This research confirms what other scientists have observed in many developing countries: as economies grow and become more industrialized, traditional diets shift toward more processed foods, more meat, and more added sugars. This pattern, called the ’nutrition transition,’ has been documented in countries across Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Mexico’s experience is particularly dramatic because the changes happened relatively quickly over just 60 years. The findings align with Mexico’s rising obesity rates, which are among the highest in the world.
This study looks at national food supply data, not what individual people actually eat. Some food is wasted before being consumed, and wealthy people may eat differently than poorer people. The data doesn’t account for physical activity levels, genetics, or other factors that influence weight. The study can’t prove that diet changes directly caused obesity increases—only that they happened at the same time. Additionally, the research doesn’t examine why these dietary changes occurred, such as economic factors, food marketing, or changes in food availability.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, people in Mexico (and those eating similar diets) may benefit from: (1) Eating more beans, lentils, and whole grains instead of processed foods; (2) Reducing intake of sugary drinks and processed snacks; (3) Being mindful of portion sizes given the increased calorie density of modern foods. These recommendations have moderate confidence because while the data clearly shows what changed, individual results depend on many personal factors. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
This research is most relevant to people living in Mexico and those eating a similar modern Mexican diet. It’s also important for policymakers, nutritionists, and public health officials working to address obesity. Parents should be aware of these trends when feeding children. However, this data describes population averages—individual diets vary widely, and some people may eat very differently from these trends.
Dietary changes typically take weeks to months to affect weight and health markers. However, the trends described in this research developed over 60 years, showing that small changes in food choices accumulate over time. If someone makes healthier food choices today, they might see improvements in energy levels within days or weeks, but significant weight changes usually take several months of consistent effort.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily servings of beans/legumes, whole grains, and ultra-processed foods. Set a goal to eat beans at least 3-4 times per week and limit processed snacks to 1-2 times daily. Monitor whether these changes affect energy levels and how you feel.
- Use the app to log meals and identify which ultra-processed foods you eat most often. Replace one processed snack per day with a whole food alternative (like beans, nuts, or fresh fruit). Gradually increase bean consumption by adding them to meals you already enjoy.
- Weekly check-ins on food group consumption. Track the ratio of whole foods to processed foods in your diet. Monitor energy levels, digestion, and any changes in how clothes fit. Compare your eating patterns to the national trends to see where your diet aligns or differs from these changes.
This research describes national dietary trends in Mexico from 1960-2020 and does not provide personalized medical advice. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, activity level, health conditions, and other factors. If you’re concerned about your weight, diet, or health, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can assess your individual situation. This study shows associations between dietary changes and obesity rates but cannot prove direct cause-and-effect relationships for any individual person.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.