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Obesity remains one of the most common and serious chronic conditions in the United States, affecting millions of children, according to a recent report published in JAMA Network Open.
Childhood obesity, which starts early, contributes to health issues throughout life.
William Heerman, MD, MPH, associate professor of Pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and colleagues aim to sound the alarm in a recent report that examined the electronic health records of more than 6 million children in the U.S. from PCORnet 2024 data.
The findings show:
- Obesity affected 19.8% of U.S. youth ages 2-19.
- Overweight or obesity affected 26.9% of children ages 2-5.
- Overweight or obesity affected 38.5% of adolescents ages 12-19.
- Severe obesity affected 9.2% of adolescents and young adults.
“Obesity in childhood is common and serious, but modifiable,” said Heerman, holder of the William K. Warren Foundation Chair in Medicine.
“This research highlights the importance of continued investment in prevention, family support, and systems that enable proactive care. Clinicians need timely, accurate prevalent data to identify early warning signs, counsel families effectively, initiate evidence-based treatment, and support prevention-focused systems of care.”
Heerman offered the following key points:
- Early identification and treatment are critical and align with current pediatric guidelines.
- Effective tools and treatments exist, and families deserve access to them.
- Systems-level improvements, including digital supports and coordinated care models, can meaningfully change outcomes.
“Families are not alone,” said Heerman. “Effective treatments, including behavioral programs, nutrition counseling, and when appropriate, medications, are available and increasingly supported by guidelines.”
