Early Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in Children Aged Under 2 Years in Mexico

ABSTRACT Introduction Obesity in infants is a growing problem in Mexico, affecting children's well‐being and increasing long‐term health risks. Evidence of the multilevel determinants during the first 1000 days is limited. This study aimed to examine the relationship between individual, maternal, household and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children under 2 years of age. Methods A secondary analysis of the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey was conducted with a sample of 185 mother‐infant binomials. To assess the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity (owₒb) in infants, body mass index Z ‐scores were calculated by age and sex. By age group, multiple logistic regression models were adjusted to evaluate the association between childhood owₒb and individual, maternal, household and place of residence variables. Results A combined prevalence of overweight and obesity of 29. 7% was found. In infants aged 0–11 months, the highest probability of owₒb (prₒb = 0. 87) was amongst infants of overweight mothers who worked outside the home. In infants aged 12–23 months, the highest likelihood of owₒb (prₒb = 0. 885) was for children whose mothers had lower levels of education, were married, had a diagnosis of depression and experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. Conclusions This study is one of the first in Mexico to analyse multiple risk factors simultaneously at the national level, as it had a representative sample of children under 2 years old. The findings underscore the importance of early intervention and a comprehensive approach considering family and socioeconomic factors in childhood obesity prevention.