HFI is highly prevalent in Mexico7
and there are
theoretical reasons to expect that it may be an inde-pendent risk factor for the development of both type 2
diabetes and hypertension. HFI has been associated with
poor dietary quality, obesity, depression, and stress.8-14
Obesity is a well established risk factor for both diabetes
and hypertension and poor dietary quality may also af-fect blood sugar levels and blood pressure independent
of obesity.15,16 High cortisol levels associated with mental
and biological stress have been linked with higher viscer-al fat deposition, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.8