Summary
A recent study found that the health of children in the U.S. has worsened since 2007, with more kids experiencing chronic health conditions. Factors contributing to this decline include higher rates of diseases like depression, anxiety, and obesity, and increased mortality rates compared to other wealthy countries.
Key Facts
- The health of U.S. children has declined significantly since 2007.
- Chronic conditions in children have increased by 15-20% from 2011 to 2023.
- Rates of depression, anxiety, autism, and obesity in children have risen.
- Sleep problems, reduced physical activity, and loneliness have also increased.
- U.S. child mortality rates have risen, with gun violence as a major factor for older kids.
- Firearm mortality overtook motor vehicle crashes as the top cause of death for U.S. youth in 2020.
- Lack of universal health care in the U.S. is linked to poorer health outcomes for children.
- Recent Medicaid cuts may further limit health care access for low-income children.
