Let your kids be young at heart
Last year, almost 70% of parents told pollsters from Mott Children's Hospital that they think the physical health of children and teens is getting worse. And they are right. A new survey of more than 6 million kids published in JAMA Open shows that almost 27% of children age 2 to 5 are overweight or have obesity, and it goes up to almost 39% in adolescence and teens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this sets kids up for premature high blood pressure and elevated LDL cholesterol, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, as well as anxiety, depression, asthma, kidney disease, joint and bone issues, decreasing brain power, and difficulty with relationships.
Chances are, if your child is overweight or obese, you're also struggling with your weight. After all, about 74% of American adults are contending with overweight or obesity. If you're going to help your kids have a healthier, happier life, you'll need to make achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle a family project.
Step one: Sit down together and talk about why it matters that you work together to reclaim your health. Then set realistic goals. For example, decide to give up French fries and soda for the first week (you can add nutritional upgrades each week thereafter). And set a schedule for family activities three days a week -- walks, biking, visits to the gym or a yoga class. Find joy in doing this together.
For great ideas on how to set up your family wellness routine, check out the info and programs available at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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