Just the facts: Childhood obesity in Colorado

Want an overview of what kids are eating and how much they’re exercising in Colorado? Read this report Overweight, Physical Activity and Nutrition Among Colorado Children and Youth: A Data Resource published by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The report leads with this: “Over the past three decades, the prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents in the United States has increased dramatically. Excess weight has both immediate and longer-term consequences for the health and well-being of young persons. Unhealthy eating and lack of adequate physical activity contribute to overweight in children and youth. Increased television viewing and use of computers and video games may lead to decreasing levels of physical activity. Unhealthy behaviors learned early in life often persist into adulthood, contributing to development of chronic disease and other causes of death and disability.”

About our First Person series:

First Person is where Chalkbeat features personal essays by educators, students, parents, and others trying to improve public education. Read our submission guidelines here.