1. ¹Medical School, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Mesa de Otay, Tijuana, BC, Mexico
2. ²Master of Nutrition Program, UABC, Mexico
3. ³Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, CA, USA

Correspondence: Professor Jiménez-Cruz, 2399 Eastridge Loop, Chula Vista, CA 91915, USA. E-mail: ajimenez@uabc.mx

Received 8 October 2002; Revised 11 January 2003; Accepted 14 January 2003.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although Mexican-Indian migrant workers live under precarious conditions in both Mexico and the USA, they have more access to food than they did in their original communities. The nutritional status and food security among the children of these workers have not been reported.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, undernutrition and hunger among migrant children in a city on the US–Mexico border.

DESIGN: During 2001–2002, a total of 1767 children from six schools from the Tijuana Indian school system was measured to assess anthropometric status. Third and fifth grade children were also interviewed for their perception of hunger experience and dietary intake by 24-h recall method.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38%. Abdominal obesity was found in 26% of subjects, while 43% had both obesity and abdominal obesity. The prevalence of undernutrition according to weight-for-age was 1.2%, and by height-for-age it was 4.8%. The prevalence of hunger was 2.5%, and at risk of hunger was 44%. Daily intake of food groups in servings was: 8.7 grains, 1.2 fruit, 1.0 vegetable, 2.1 milk and 2.6 meat. Only one child (0.07%) consumed The Apple of Health recommended portions.

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the coexistence of obesity, hunger, undernutrition and limited food group consumption among Indian children living in a prosperous and the largest US–Mexico border city.