Introduction <p>The increase in non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) associated with sedentary lifestyles constitutes a priority challenge for health systems in Mexico. Professional training in Physical Culture may serve as a key agent in promoting active and healthy lifestyles. However, the public health relevance of university curricula remains a subject of debate.</p> Objective <p>To analyze the orientation of undergraduate curricula and study programs in Physical Culture in Mexico in order to determine their focus on health care.</p> Methods <p>A documentary, descriptive, and comparative study was conducted using information available on the institutional websites of public universities and teacher-training colleges. Curricular categorization matrices were constructed to identify the percentage of credits allocated to health-related areas, as well as the relationship between these orientations and state-level epidemiological indicators.</p> Results <p>A marked heterogeneity in the curricular presence of a health-oriented approach was observed, highlighting a clear dichotomy between universities and teacher-training colleges.</p> Conclusion <p>Preventive and biomedical orientations are not standardized at the national level, which limits an adequate professional response to public health problems. Guidelines are proposed to strengthen the incorporation of a health-oriented approach in professional training in Physical Culture.</p>