BLACK mobile logo

california

health

American Kids Have Become Increasingly Unhealthy Over Nearly Two Decades, New Study Finds

July 9, 2025

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a significant decline in U.S. children's health over the past 17 years, with increasing rates of obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health issues like depression. Researchers analyzed multiple data sources including surveys, electronic health records, and mortality statistics to compile a comprehensive picture of deteriorating childhood health across 170 indicators. While Health Secretary Robert F.

Who is affected

  • U.S. children/American kids
  • Children with obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health problems like depression
  • Children from lower-income families (implicitly mentioned through Medicaid cuts)
  • Society at large (as children's health is described as reflecting broader societal issues)

What action is being taken

  • Researchers are analyzing comprehensive data from surveys, electronic health records, and mortality statistics
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is bringing children's health to national policy conversation through the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative
  • The Trump administration is implementing cuts to federal health agencies, Medicaid, and scientific research
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics is providing expert commentary on children's health trends

Why it matters

  • The comprehensive data shows a generalized decline in children's health across 170 indicators
  • U.S. children's health is deteriorating compared to other countries
  • Children's health issues reflect larger societal health problems
  • Current policy directions may worsen rather than improve these negative health trends
  • The complex reality of children's health involves multiple factors beyond ultra-processed foods

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint