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American children have become unhealthier over the past 17 years

2025-07-08 09:29:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

American children have become unhealthier over the past 17 years

The health of children in the US has worsened over the past 17 years, with today's children more likely to suffer from obesity, chronic diseases and mental health problems such as depression.

Much of what the researchers discovered was already known, but the study paints a comprehensive picture by examining different aspects of children's physical and mental health at the same time.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has brought children’s health to the forefront of the national policy debate, releasing a highly anticipated “Making America Healthy Again” report in May that described children as malnourished and overmedicated, and raised concerns about their lack of physical activity. But the Trump administration’s actions — including cuts to federal health agencies, Medicaid and research — are unlikely to reverse the trend, according to outside experts who reviewed Monday’s study.

Data from the study:

1. The obesity rate for American children ages 2-19 increased from 17% in 2007-2008 to about 21% in 2021-2023.

2. A child in the U.S. in 2023 was 15% to 20% more likely than a child in the U.S. in 2011 to have a chronic condition such as anxiety, depression or sleep apnea, according to data reported by parents and doctors.

3. The annual prevalence rate for 97 chronic diseases recorded by doctors increased from about 40% in 2011 to about 46% in 2023.

4. Early onset of menstruation, sleep problems, activity limitations, physical symptoms, depressive symptoms, and loneliness also increased in American children during the study period.

Research shows bigger problems with children's health in America./ CNA





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