Children's Hospital Colorado

Combating Obesity with Nutrition and Physical Activity

Two kids ride their bikes on a trail in a park in Colorado.

Why keeping kids healthy matters

Obesity is one of the biggest drivers of preventable chronic diseases and health care costs in the United States. Despite a long history as being one of the healthiest states for adults, Colorado’s children have not fared as well. Data from the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment illustrates some of the challenges facing our youth:

  • 28% of children statewide are overweight or obese
  • 19% of parents report their child consumes 5 total servings of fruits and vegetables per day
  • 24% of households with children ages 1-14 sometimes or often feel that the food they bought didn’t last, and they didn’t have money to get more
  • 45% of parents report that their child is physically active for at least 60 minutes per day

Good nutrition and physical activity are among the most important factors for health. They are particularly significant for infants, toddlers and young children who need an adequate intake of key nutrients while their brains and bodies are rapidly developing. The foundations for lifelong healthy eating and physical activity begin in these formative years.

Let's address obesity together

Learn what we're doing to combat high obesity rates and how you can help in your home and community.