Achieving a State of Healthy Weight (ASHW)

Examining the Strength of Childhood Obesity Prevention Standards in Child Care Regulations

Since 2010, the University of Colorado College of Nursing has been an academic leader in the national effort to prevent childhood obesity in early care and education (ECE) programs.

Achieving a State of Healthy Weight (ASHW) examines the strength of obesity prevention rules in state child care licensing nationally. Each year, the ASHW study team publishes an Annual Report and revises the state profiles collaboratively with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO). These publications are updated every September to include data for the preceding calendar year.

ASHW publications provide data by state on the regulatory support for 47 High-Impact Obesity Prevention Standards (HIOPS) for each licensed care type, including Child Care Centers, Large Family Child Care Homes, and Small Family Child Care Homes. States can use these publications to strengthen obesity prevention policies and practices in ECE regulations. The current and earlier ASHW reports and supplements as well as other Healthy Weight Resources are posted below.