Study Finds Decline in U.S. Children’s Health Over 17 Years

Study Finds Decline in U.S. Children’s Health Over 17 Years
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A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a significant decline in the health of U.S. children over the past 17 years, showing increased rates of obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health issues such as depression. The research examined 170 health indicators from eight data sources, providing a comprehensive overview of children’s physical and mental well-being.

Key findings include a rise in obesity rates among children aged 2 to 19 from 17% in 2007-2008 to 21% in 2021-2023. Additionally, children in 2023 were 15% to 20% more likely to have chronic conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep apnea compared to 2011. The prevalence of 97 chronic conditions recorded by doctors rose from 40% to 46% between 2011 and 2023. Early menstruation, sleep difficulties, activity limitations, and depressive symptoms also increased during this period.

The study highlights that U.S. children are approximately 1.8 times more likely to die than peers in other high-income countries, with higher rates of premature birth-related deaths, firearm incidents, and motor vehicle crashes.

Researchers, including Dr. Christopher Forrest of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, emphasize that the declining health of children reflects broader societal vulnerabilities. While Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” report draws attention to these issues, experts caution that some current policies may worsen children’s health outcomes.

The study’s authors call for a more nuanced approach, urging examination of children’s environments on a local level to better understand and address these challenges.