Colorado traditionally has ranked as one of the healthiest states in the nation, a claim that reinforces a culture of activity, community and well-being. Though Colorado is ahead of the curve in this area, Coloradans aren't immune to the growing trends that threaten the health of people across the nation. One of the most concerning elements of this trend is its impact on children. Childhood obesity is on the rise, in Colorado and across the nation. Children today are taking in more calories--eating out at restaurants more often, with bigger portions of less healthy foods, and drinking more sugary beverages than ever before. Obesity is linked with a number of health risks, including increased incidences of heart and liver disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Once found primarily among adults, these diseases are now affecting more and more children, a direct result of unhealthy increases in weight. Many experts now believe that today's generation of kids will be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents. This is a sobering prediction, but one that is not without hope. Colorado can reverse the trend of rising childhood obesity, but it will take a coordinated effort among children, families, schools, communities and government. With its widely known culture of health and activity, Colorado should take the lead in this challenge and do all it can to support the next generations of healthy and happy children. (Contains 94 endnotes.)