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🇺🇸 United States /Health & Science

Fighting childhood obesity for a healthier, longer life

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Childhood obesity has dramatically increased in the U.S., with 1 in 5 children affected today compared to 1 in 20 in 1970.
  • The marketing of ultra-processed foods, which constitute over 60 percent of children's calorie intake, is a significant factor contributing to this rise, alongside socioeconomic, environmental, and lifestyle issues.
  • Experts advocate for diets rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, while reducing processed foods, and call for clearer front-of-package labeling and healthier school food options.

Childhood obesity has surged in the United States, with current rates reaching 1 in 5 children, a stark contrast to the 1 in 20 affected in 1970. This dramatic increase coincides with the pervasive marketing of ultra-processed foods, which now account for over 60 percent of the calories consumed by children. While multiple factors contribute, including socioeconomic, environmental, and lifestyle influences, diet plays a critical role.

You look at the back of the label and you're like, 'Yeah, that's no good, that's no good …' And it's like, so then, what do you eat some days? It's scary.

— Heather WolfeDescribing the difficulty of deciphering food labels and making healthy choices.

Navigating healthy food choices can be daunting for parents and children alike. Heather Wolfe, participating in the YMCA's "Healthy Weight and Your Child" program, described the difficulty of deciphering food labels, stating, "You look at the back of the label and you're like, 'Yeah, that's no good, that's no good …' And it's like, so then, what do you eat some days? It's scary."

This is not a willpower problem with our nation's kids. This is a problem with us putting highly-addictive, highly-chemicalized food in front of them.

— Dr. Marty MakaryExplaining the cause of childhood obesity as a result of food industry practices rather than a lack of self-control in children.

Amidst the development of powerful new weight-loss drugs, the focus is shifting towards prevention. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary emphasized that the issue is not a lack of willpower among children but rather the constant exposure to "highly-addictive, highly-chemicalized food." He advocates for diets emphasizing whole foods like protein, fruits, and vegetables, alongside healthier fats and whole grains, while significantly reducing processed items. Makary also called for improved front-of-package food information and for schools to prioritize purchasing real food over ultra-processed options.

Pastas and carbs are her thing. And she drinks a lot of her calories, too.

— Shayla MitchellDescribing her daughter Miracle's dietary habits that contributed to weight gain.

Shayla Mitchell's daughter, Miracle, experienced weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a preference for "pastas and carbs" and high-calorie beverages. Six years later, the YMCA program is helping Miracle's family implement healthier habits, including increased physical activity. Miracle herself recognizes the program's value, stating, "Healthy foods is for me to lose weight and for me not to lose my life a little bit."

Healthy foods is for me to lose weight and for me not to lose my life a little bit.

— MiracleExpressing her understanding of the importance of healthy eating for her well-being.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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