RELEASE: New state report shows rise in childhood obesity rates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2026

New state report shows rise in childhood obesity rates

SANTA FE – Obesity rates among New Mexico elementary school students increased in 2025, according to a recent New Mexico Department of Health report —findings the department says underscore the need for sustained investment in children’s health and physical activity.

The report, based on body mass index measurements from nearly 4,600 students at 49 schools across 15 counties in the fall of 2025, found:

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Obesity rates among kindergarteners rose from 17.3% to 18.6 %,

Obesity rates among third graders increased from 24.1 % to 26.7%.

Boys’ obesity rates were 5.4% 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 (NMDOH). “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.”

NMDOH’s Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program and its Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program work with schools and communities statewide to expand access to healthy food and safe physical activity. Initiatives include school and community gardens, farmers’ markets, and safe walking and biking routes.

Read the 2025 New Mexico Childhood Obesity Update here: https://www.nmhealth.org/data/view/chronic/3185/

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NMDOH

Robert Nott , Communications Director | robert.nott@doh.nm.gov | (505) 479-0147

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, NMDOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 24 Native American Tribes, Pueblos and Nations.

New Mexico Department of Health | 1190 S St Francis Dr | Santa Fe, NM 87505 US

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