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. 2024 Jun 10:31:e2024018.
doi: 10.1590/S0104-59702024000100018en. eCollection 2024.

The body as a mirror of inequality in México during the second half of the twentieth century

[Article in English, Spanish]
Moramay Lopez-Alonso  1
Affiliations

The body as a mirror of inequality in México during the second half of the twentieth century

[Article in English, Spanish]
Moramay Lopez-Alonso. Hist Cienc Saude Manguinhos. .

Abstract
in English, Spanish

This paper examines how variations in the height and health of Mexicans during the second half of the twentieth century reflect the evolution of economic inequality, as its effects have repercussions on the health and nutritional conditions of the population. The average height of Mexican adults had a modest increase with respect to the possibilities of human plasticity. These anthropometric variations were the result of the incorporation of advances in science and technology leading to improved standards of living among the population. Body changes were impacted by dietary habits, urbanization, and government policies supporting food production and distribution.

Este trabajo examina cómo las variaciones en la estatura y la salud de los mexicanos durante la segunda mitad del siglo XX son un reflejo de la evolución de la desigualdad económica pues sus efectos repercuten en las condiciones de salud y alimentación de la población. La estatura promedio de adultos mexicanos tuvo un aumento modesto con respecto a las posibilidades de la plasticidad humana. Estas variaciones antropométricas fueron resultado de la incorporación de avances en ciencia y tecnología conducentes a mejorar los niveles de vida de la población. Los cambios corporales fueron impactados por hábitos alimenticios, de urbanización y políticas gubernamentales de apoyo a la producción y distribución de alimentos.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

There were no conflicts of interest during the realization of this research.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. : Graph of estimated national heights (in cm) by 6-year cohorts, México, 1951-1992 (México, 2000, 2006)
Figure 2
Figure 2. : Graph of men’s heights and GDP per capita measured in international dollars (Geary-Khamis) of 1990 (López-Alonso, Vélez Grajales, 2016)
Figure 3
Figure 3. : Body mass index (México, 1965)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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