New Mexico Reports Rising Childhood Obesity Rates in 2025
Summary
The New Mexico Department of Health released a 2025 report showing increased obesity rates among elementary school students. Kindergarten obesity rose from 17.3% to 18.6%, while third grade obesity increased from 24.1% to 26.7%. The report is based on BMI measurements from nearly 4,600 students at 49 schools across 15 counties.
What changed
The NMDOH published its 2025 Childhood Obesity Update, reporting that obesity rates among New Mexico elementary school students increased from prior years. Kindergarten obesity rose 1.3 percentage points to 18.6%, while third grade obesity increased 2.6 percentage points to 26.7%. Boys showed 5.4% higher obesity rates than girls. The report attributes rising rates to poverty, food insecurity, and lack of safe physical activity infrastructure.
Healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations should note the significant jump in obesity between kindergarten and third grade as an intervention opportunity. NMDOH's Obesity, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program and Healthy Kids Healthy Communities initiative offer pathways for collaboration on school gardens, farmers' markets, and safe walking/biking routes.
What to do next
- Monitor NMDOH childhood obesity prevention program opportunities
- Review school health initiatives for alignment with state goals
- Access full report at nmhealth.org/data/view/chronic/3185/
Archived snapshot
Apr 10, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
New state report shows rise in childhood obesity rates
April 10, 2026 - Public Health - Awareness 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:
- 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/
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Robert Nott at (Office) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.
Un nuevo informe estatal muestra el aumento de los índices de obesidad infantil
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