Is Mexican Soda To Blame For Obesity Crisis? 10 Facts About Soda In Mexico

Mexican Man Drinking Coke — A man drinks a soft drink at a store in Mexico City September 9, 2013. Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto's tax reform proposals appear toughest on Mexico's bottlers, who would be hit by a levy that the government hopes will collect close to $1 billion a year. The government plans to apply a 1 peso per liter ($0.076) excise on sugary drinks, weighing on bottlers like Coca-Cola FEMSA, Arca Continental and Pepsi bottler Cultiba. Picture taken Sept. 9, 2013. Reuters/Edgard Garrido

In Septemer this year, the Mexican Government announced that it was proposing a special tax on soft drinks in Mexico in an effort to fight the country's rising obesity rate. President Peña Nieto's proposal would apply a one peso tax for each liter of sugar-sweetened beverage sold. The government said that the tax would bring in over $900 million a year in revenue. The proposal has of course ignited controversy as debate has raged between politicians, soft drink companies and consumers.

In the wake of the debate, The New York Times reported yesterday that Mayor Michael Bloomberg's philanthropic company, Bloomberg Philanthropies, is weighing in on the debate. New York's mayor, who has pushed for similar action in his own city, has pledged $10 million dollars over three years to support anti-obesity advertising and promote the soda tax. Mr. Bloomberg's proposal has itself ignited debate across the country.

In the midst of so much debate, it is important to keep in mind the facts. So, here are the 10 Most Mind-Blowing Facts about Soda in Mexico:

1. Mexico is the largest consumer of soft-drinks in the world, reaching over 163 liters consumed per person per year. Mexicans drink 24 percent more soft drinks than Americans.

2. Consumption of soft-drinks is the primary source of calories in Mexico -- almost a quarter of Mexican calorie consumption comes from soft-drinks.

3. In some parts of Mexico, people have easier access to soft drink than clean water.

4. Mexicans spend $14.3 billion on soft drinks every year.

5. Mexican families spend more on soft drink than they do on eggs, beans or tortillas.

6. Mexico is the most obese country in the world, taking top spot from the U.S. in July this year. The National Health Secretary has indicated that the high consumption of soft-drinks is one of the key causes of this epidemic.

7. Diabetes and heart disease are the leading causes of death in Mexico. Both are linked to obesity.

8. The American Heart Association revealed that Mexico has the highest incidence mortality related to the consumption of sugary beverages. In the world.

9. If the income from the 20 percent tax were invested in the 120,000 public schools in the country, each one would receive $230,000 pesos.

10. In 2012, Coca-Cola announced a $5 billion investment in Mexico.