A comprehensive study published in July 2025 reveals that the health of children in the United States has deteriorated over the past 17 years. The research, conducted by experts from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), highlights an increase in obesity rates from 17% to 21%, a rise in chronic conditions from 40% to 46%, and growing mental health challenges including depression and loneliness. Compared to peers in 18 other high-income countries, American children show worse health outcomes across multiple domains, including higher mortality rates and increased prevalence of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. The study underscores the urgent need to identify and address the root causes of this decline in pediatric health in the U.S.