Epidemiology and Response Division
Obesity Health Data
The New Mexico Department of Health recognizes obesity as a growing public health concern in our state. Obesity has been identified as one of five health status priorities for the NM Comprehensive Strategic Health Plan developed in 2004.
In July 2003, the Department successfully obtained CDC funding for a state Obesity, Physical Activity & Nutrition (OPAN) program housed in the Chronic Disease Prevention & Control bureau. These capacity building funds will support the development of a comprehensive New Mexico Plan for Obesity Control and Prevention.
Prevent and control obesity and related chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers)
Obesity trends in New Mexico by sex
Obesity trends in the US and NM
Overweight trends in NM by sex
Overweight trends in US and NM
Obesity Prevalence in New Mexico
Unhealthy Weight Table
Current Impact of Obesity in NM
CDC Overweight and Obesity Website
Our mission is to support creation of environments (work sites, schools, healthcare settings, & communities) that encourage and facilitate healthful nutrition and physical activity choices and behaviors.
New Mexico's Indicator-Based Information System for Public HealthNM-IBIS provides access to public health datasets and information on New Mexico's priority health issues.
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a measure of weight for height. BMI can be calculated with simple math using inches and pounds, or meters and kilograms.
For adults aged 21 years or older, BMI falls into one of these categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
For children and adolescents 2-20 years of age, BMI-for-age is based on gender and age specific charts. BMI-for-age falls into one of these categories: underweight, normal, at risk of overweight, and overweight.
CDC Body Mass Index Web Link