New Mexico report shows rise in childhood obesity among young students
A new New Mexico Department of Health report shows childhood obesity rates rose among kindergarten and third grade students in 2025.
State health officials say increases from kindergarten to third grade highlight need for early intervention
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE - A new report from the New Mexico Department of Health shows childhood obesity rates increased among elementary school students in 2025, prompting renewed calls for early intervention and investment in children’s health.
The report analyzed body mass index data from nearly 4,600 students at 49 schools across 15 counties during the fall of 2025.
It found obesity rates rose among both kindergarten and third grade students. Kindergarten rates increased from 17.3% to 18.6%, while third grade rates climbed from 24.1% to 26.7%. Boys had obesity rates 5.4 percentage points higher than girls.
“Obesity is a complex, serious public health concern with multiple contributing factors, including poverty, food insecurity and a lack of infrastructure for safe physical activity,” said Gina DeBlassie, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health. “A trend we see is obesity rates rising significantly between kindergarten and third grade, which is why NMDOH continues to invest in developing healthy eating and activity habits in early childhood and elementary school.”
State health officials say the findings highlight the importance of addressing nutrition and physical activity early in childhood.
The department’s Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program, along with its Healthy Kids Healthy Communities initiative, works with schools and communities to expand access to healthy food and safe places for exercise. Efforts include school and community gardens, farmers markets and projects that improve walking and biking access.
The full report is available here.
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