July 11, 2025- A study published July 7 by JAMA found children’s health has significantly worsened from 2007 to 2023. Researchers studied changes in child mortality; chronic physical, developmental and mental health conditions; obesity; sleep health; early puberty; limitations in activity; and physical and emotional symptoms. Researchers found that a U.S. child was 15% to 20% more likely to have a chronic condition in 2023 than a child in 2011, according to NPR. In particular, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, sleep apnea and obesity all increased, as did rates of autism, behavioral problems, developmental delays and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Researchers said the findings highlight the need to identify root causes for the decline in health.