Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spotlighted four major contributors to the dramatic rise in chronic illnesses among children in a striking new report issued Thursday -- the first major policy move under President Trump's initiative to address what the administration calls a growing public health emergency affecting nearly 40% of the country's youth.
According to the report, a combination of harmful food habits, exposure to industrial toxins, insufficient physical activity, and excessive reliance on pharmaceuticals are fueling a surge in long-term health conditions -- such as obesity, autism spectrum disorders, cancers, psychological disorders, and allergic reactions. "The health of American children is in crisis," the commission warned.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
The commission highlighted "ultra processed foods" as a major factor in this widespread health decline. While such foods may have been developed with good intentions, they now dominate the diets of American youth. In fact, 70% of what children in the U.S. consume is made up of these high-calorie, nutrient-deficient items.
The foods in question typically include refined grains, sugars, and industrial fats -- ingredients that were not present in traditional diets a century ago. The report notes that these processed products now constitute half of the American diet, in contrast to countries like Portugal, Italy, and France, where they only account for 10% to 31% of daily consumption.
Toxic Exposures
Another contributing factor, the report explains, is the presence of hazardous substances in the environment -- with children particularly vulnerable, even beginning from the prenatal stage.
The document points to toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, synthetic compounds found in cleaning agents and beauty products, as well as microplastics. Additionally, the report raises red flags about electromagnetic fields from devices such as smartphones and laptops, citing potential health risks.
Reduced Physical Activity
The shift toward a screen-heavy, indoor lifestyle is also identified as a threat to children's well-being. Kids today are spending more time sitting and less time moving, which the commission believes is adding to the chronic disease burden.
Instead of engaging in outdoor play, walking or biking to school, or participating in physical games, many children are glued to digital devices. Nearly half of American teens admit to being online nearly all the time, a trend the report links to not just physical health issues but also emotional challenges like sleep disorders, chronic anxiety, and increased isolation.
Excessive Medical Intervention
The report also raises concerns about the number of American children routinely taking prescription medications. Currently, one in five children in the United States is on pharmaceutical drugs, including stimulants for ADHD, antidepressants, antibiotics, and more.
Although the long-term impacts of this widespread medical treatment have not been thoroughly researched, the commission suggests it may play a role in the chronic health issues now seen in today's youth.
This comprehensive analysis was issued by the Make America Healthy Again Commission, a panel created through a February executive order signed by President Trump to explore root causes of childhood chronic disease and advise on federal health policy.
Kennedy leads the commission, which includes Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, OMB Director Russell Vought, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, among others.