Health without barriers: Addressing youth obesity and mental health

Youth obesity and its associated cardiometabolic health challenges remain pressing public health concerns in the United States, disproportionately affecting rural, low-income and other communities. Limited access to high-quality health programs exacerbates these disparities, particularly in La Plata County, Colorado, where Native American and Latino populations face heightened risks of obesity, depression and related health conditions. 

Recognizing this urgent need, Colorado State University Extension launched Health Without Barriers (HWB) in Southwest Colorado in 2022 for adolescents and families. The program delivers 26 hours of structured education on nutrition, cooking skills, physical activity, mindfulness and parenting support, ensuring a holistic approach to health behavior change. The program emphasizes goal setting, self-efficacy and family engagement, fostering lifestyle improvements. 

A cornerstone of HWB’s success is its foundation in community-based participatory research. Local families — including Native American and Latino parent-teen dyads —shaped the program’s design, ensuring relevance. As a result, HWB has been delivered seven times in La Plata County, engaging 27 families across English, bilingual and Spanish-language cohorts. Participants report high retention rates, with 76% of teens and 59% of parents attending at least 75% of sessions. 

Program impact extends beyond individual behavior change. Teens highlighted improved mental well-being, mindfulness and healthier eating habits, while parents reported reduced stress and stronger family bonds.  

One participant shared, “Going into HWB, I thought it would just be about diabetes, but I really liked how it connected nutrition, mindfulness and exercise. These are skills I can use now and in the future.” 

The program contributes to the broader public health landscape by addressing barriers to wellness. Grounded in evidence-based strategies, it empowers families to adopt healthier behaviors while advancing research on community-driven health interventions. The program’s findings, recently published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, reinforce its significance in tackling health issues and fostering long-term well-being in rural communities. 

HWB exemplifies how programs can transform lives, reduce chronic disease risk and build healthier communities.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by Non-Profit Grants & Contracts and USDA Competitive funds.