A new CDC study shows a decrease in early childhood obesity in 19 states. While the report shows Colorado with a slight increase among low income 2-4 year old children to 10.0 percent in 2011, the state remains one of the lowest in the nation, and the prevalence has been fairly stable over time. In fact, 2012 data for Colorado show a prevalence of 8.4 percent.
Year
|
% of Obese Low Income Children,
Ages 2-4 Years
|
2005
|
9.7%
|
2006
|
9.6%
|
2007
|
9.7%
|
2008
|
9.4%
|
2009
|
9.0%
|
2010
|
9.1%
|
2011
|
10.0%
|
2012
|
8.4%
|
2005-2011: Colorado WIC Data
analyzed by the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System.
2012: Colorado WIC data analyzed
by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Children are five times more likely to be obese as an adult if they are overweight or obese between the ages of 3 and 5 years. Obesity in early childhood increases the risk of high cholesterol, high blood sugar, asthma and mental health problems later in childhood and adolescence.
Colorado has identified obesity as one of 10 Winnable Battles and CDPHE’s Maternal and Child Health Program designated early childhood obesity prevention as one of its top priorities. The health department has combined Colorado WIC, Maternal and Child Health and CDC funds to establish an early childhood obesity prevention unit dedicated to implementing evidence based, multi-sector approaches addressing critical phases of the life course in Colorado.
The department is working with public and private partners across Colorado to implement these strategies and more:
- Support healthy lifestyles among pregnant women and families receiving WIC benefits
- Improve nutrition and physical activity in early care and education settings
- Promote consistent messaging throughout communities
- Increase access to healthy foods
- Create environments supportive of breastfeeding and wellness in workplaces and hospitals
To learn more:
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