The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is ramping up school- and community-based initiatives to enhance access to healthy food and safe physical activity amid rising obesity rates among elementary school students.
Obesity rates have increased in 2025 based on body mass index (BMI) data from nearly 4,600 students across 49 schools in 15 counties, according to the latest report by NMDOH. Data showed that obesity prevalence rose from 17.3 percent to 18.6 percent among kindergarten students. Among third graders, obesity rates climbed from 24,1 percent to 26.7 percent. Boys had 5.4 percentage points higher obesity rates than girls, the report noted.
Childhood obesity in the United States affects about 1 in 5 children and adolescents aged 2 to 19, according to recent national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And nearly 1 in 5 school-aged children is obese, particularly those aged 6 to 11.
NMDOH officials said the findings highlight the urgency of strengthening early interventions. “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.
She noted that obesity rates tend to increase significantly between kindergarten and third grade. The health official underscores the need to establish healthy habits early in life.
In response, the health department is scaling up initiatives through its Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program and the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities initiative. The state implemented these programs in schools and communities statewide to expand access to nutritious food and safe spaces for exercise.
Interventions under these programs include developing school and community gardens, supporting farmers’ markets, and creating safe walking and biking routes. These efforts aim to shape healthier environments for children both in and beyond the classroom.