SAN NICOLAS DE LOS GARZA
SAN NICOLAS DE LOS GARZA , Mexico (Reuters) - Rows of sleek new school desks equipped with bike pedals are allowing students in Mexico to power through their class work while cranking out some light exercise, burning off calories in a country known for its alarming obesity rates. But for the students at a high school just outside the bustling city of Monterrey, the new bike desks offer benefits beyond exercise. "When we're physically active it also helps keep us focused," said 13-year-old Reimy Rodriguez, in her first year at Public High School 24. "It's actually incredible ." A third of all Mexicans are obese and as children age, many pack on the pounds. A recent national study showed about 8% of children under 5 were overweight or obese, which rises to almost 19% for kids between 5-11 years old. Sanjuanita Garcia, the school's principal, points to the bike desks' post-pandemic benefits, especially for boys more vulnerable to excessive weight gain...