DENVER – The Mile High City is making very little progress reducing childhood obesity rates, according to a new Denver Public Health report.
The Denver Childhood Obesity Monitoring Report released Thursday shows the prevalence of the public health issue among children has remained constant in the city and county of Denver for the past four years, which currently stands around 15 percent of school-aged children.
Additionally, differences in obesity rates persist among certain populations -- including Hispanics who are more likely to be obese than non-Hispanics.
Data released Thursday appears to fly in the face of a 2013 directive set forth by the city of Denver to reduce childhood obesity rates.
Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases that impact physical health, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease.