[Stunting in Mexico in the last quarter century: analysis of four national surveys].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the magnitude, distribution, and trends of undernutrition and overweight from 1988 to 2006, and provide recommendations for their erradication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antrhopometric indicators of nutritional status in children <5 y from four surveys were analyzed.

RESULTS: Despite its significant reduction in the study period, stunting remains as a public health problem, with the highest prevalences in indigenous population, the rural south and the lowest living conditions quintile.

CONCLUSIONS: Several policies and programs have demonstrated effectiveness, but implementation challenges persist among the poorest population, particularly in indigenous households. Measures for improving the effectiveness of the nutrition policies and programs, particularly among the indigenous and poorest population, are provided, which include adjusting current programs according to the results of evaluations, and the implementation of policies that address the social determinants of undernutrition.