Physical Activity, Nutrition, Obesity
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:
OO 28%
OO 19%
of children statewide are overweight or obese
of parents report their child consumes 5 total servings of fruits and vegetables per day
OO 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
OO 45%
of parents report that their child is physically active for at least 60 minutes per day
Additionally, key informants and parents/caregivers across the state cited physical activity,
nutrition and childhood obesity as issues warranting the hospital’s attention in surveys, focus
groups, etc. Of particular concern to community participants was the issue of nutrition, not
only the need for nutrition education, but the concern regarding families’ ability to access
to healthy foods. Food insecurity is linked to adverse health outcomes, and while the links
between food insecurity and obesity are still being researched, what we do know is that both
issues significantly affect the low socio-economic population.
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.
To address these concerns, Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) will focus on
three major areas of prevention and health promotion:
Goal 1: Educate and empower families across the lifecycle with the skills and information
they need to make behavior changes that support a healthy lifestyle
Goal 2: Improve access to healthy foods and physical activity for children and their
families, particularly in underserved communities
Goal 3: Advance the field of childhood obesity research through collaboration and dissemination
Colorado
vs
National
Obesity – Nutrition – Physical Activity
20
28%
Kids are
overweight
21%
14%
Families experience
food insecurity
19%
<20%
Kids get 3 servings
of fruits/veggies
<15%