The other day I was at the grocery store, just doing a quick run for a few basics. As I moved through the aisles, I noticed something that truly stopped me in my tracks. I saw more and more young people, kids, teens, some barely out of toddlerhood, already visibly struggling with obesity.
This is not about judging anyone. It is not about pointing fingers or blaming parents. It is about facing what is right in front of us. The number of children in our communities carrying serious weight-related health issues is growing. What I witnessed that day is not an isolated event. It is becoming the new normal.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 19.7 percent of children and teens in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese. That is nearly 1 in 5
young people. On top of that, another 16.1 percent are classified as overweight. That means over one-third of our youth are at an unhealthy weight.
We are not just talking about a few extra pounds. We are talking about a dramatic rise in chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint problems that used to only affect adults. These are diseases now being diagnosed in kids who have not even reached high school.
What Happened?
Look around and you will see the answer. Our kids are more sedentary than ever. Many are glued to screens for eight to ten hours a day. Whether it is TV, phones, video games, or tablets, their bodies are still while their minds are overstimulated.
Physical movement has been replaced with scrolling, tapping, and sitting. PE classes are being cut. Recess is shortened. After-school activities are now more likely to involve a device than a field or a bike.
And then there is hydration… or lack thereof. Most children are not drinking enough water. They are sipping (oftentimes guzzling) on soda, juice, sports drinks, and flavored waters packed with sugar. Something as simple as choosing water can make a world of difference, yet it is often overlooked.
The Role of Sugar and Processed Food
Sugar is hiding in nearly everything. A single can of soda can contain over 40 grams of sugar. That is 10 teaspoons. Many popular yogurts, cereals, and granola bars have more sugar than candy bars.
Dr. Mark Hyman, a well-known expert in functional medicine, has said the average American consumes about 150 pounds of sugar each year. Most of it comes from ultra-processed foods that are engineered to be addictive. These foods trigger cravings, spike blood sugar, and keep people coming back for more.
When kids eat these foods every day, and move very little, they are set up for a lifetime of health struggles. This is not a lack of willpower. This is the result of a food system that profits from disease.
We’ve all heard to expression, “Profits over people.” Unfortunately, those who profit the most are food manufacturers, healthcare and Big Pharma. They are literally killing our children and adult population. To pretend otherwise, is to be part of the problem.
The Brain is Affected Too
In May 2025, the New York Post shared research from UTHealth Houston showing that teens with abdominal obesity had measurable changes in their brains. The hippocampus and
amygdala, areas tied to memory, learning, and emotional control, were enlarged. According to Dr. Augusto César F. De Moraes, these changes may increase the risk of emotional instability, poor academic performance, and even cognitive decline later in life including dementia which is now referred to as Type 3 Diabetes in many circles.
This is not just about body size. This is about how food and lifestyle choices are shaping how our kids think and feel.
What You Can Do Right Now
Change starts at home and it begins with awareness. Here are some small but powerful steps you can take:
- Read food labels and limit added sugar.
- Encourage water as the go-to drink.
- Set boundaries for screen time and encourage daily movement.
- Bring back the basics: walking, biking, stretching, playing outside.
- Choose real, whole foods over packaged snacks whenever possible.
This is not about being perfect. It is about taking one step at a time. One swap. One conversation. One healthier choice in the grocery aisle.
What I saw in the store that day left a mark. It opened my eyes wider than ever to what is happening right now. But it also reminded me that we have the power to turn this around.
One label at a time. One meal at a time. One habit at a time.