Report: New Mexico Sees a Decline in Childhood Obesity for Some, but Not for Latinos

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A new report entitled New Mexico Childhood Obesity 2013 Update provides the latest information on the prevalence of childhood obesity in the state. For this report the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) measured the body mass index (BMI) percentile of 7,731 kindergarten and third grade students from 59 randomly selected public elementary schools.

Although the percentage of overweight and obese third graders had decreased since 2010 (from 38.7% to 34.7%), the same was not true for kindergarteners. Between 2010 and 2013, obesity rates for kindergartners increased from 13.2% to 13.7%.

Findings also document the highest prevalence of obesity among American Indian third grade students (29.5%), compared to Hispanic (22.8%) and White (12.8%) students.

While obesity rates dropped in 2013 among White (17.8% vs. 12.8%) and American Indian third grade students (36.6% vs. 29.5%), the percent of obese Hispanic third graders increased from 22.6% to 22.7%.

According to the report, this is especially troubling given that Hispanics comprise the majority of elementary school-aged children in the state.

Another concern is the upward shift in obesity prevalence over time. The report found that in 2010 only 13.2% of kindergartners were obese. By 2013, 19.9% of these now third grade students were obese.

To view the complete findings of this report, click here.

For more information on healthy lifestyle initiatives in New Mexico, visit Healthy Kids New Mexico.