Obesity Data in New Mexico

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.

Objectives: Support creation of environments (work sites, schools, healthcare settings, & communities) that encourage and facilitate healthful nutrition and physical activity choices and behaviors.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  Introduction     Summary     Obesity & Overweight     Social,Environmental... 
Strategic Plan  Partners       Evaluation Plan              Appendix A 
Appendix B - Implementation Plan  Appendix C - References  Appendix D - Resources 

FULL DOCUMENT (large - 2.54 MB) 

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