A newly released report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and endorsed by President Donald Trump, reveals deeply troubling trends in the health of American children. Unveiled on May 22, 2025, the report attributes soaring rates of chronic illness among youth to a convergence of ultra-processed diets, chemical exposures, overprescription of medications, and inactive lifestyles.
The commission, formed in response to mounting concerns over the nation’s long-term wellness trajectory, portrays a generation at risk. Childhood obesity, diabetes, autism, cancer, and mental health disorders are all on the rise—conditions that MAHA asserts stem largely from environmental and behavioral factors.
Chronic Illness Linked to Ultra-Processed Diets
At the core of the findings is a stark indictment of the American food system. According to the report, ultra-processed foods now make up nearly 70% of the average child’s daily caloric intake. These foods, which include packaged snacks, sugary cereals, frozen meals, and fast food, are often high in additives, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
The report warns that these dietary habits are leading to a “slow-motion epidemic” of preventable illnesses. Conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease—once considered adult problems—are now frequently diagnosed in adolescents and even younger children.
Chemicals and Environmental Toxins Raise Alarms
Chemical exposure was another focal point. The commission highlighted the widespread presence of industrial chemicals and pesticides in children’s environments. Substances such as glyphosate and atrazine, found in common agricultural practices, were detected in the blood and urine samples of children across the country.
Concerns were also raised over endocrine disruptors—chemicals that can interfere with hormonal systems. These include phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in plastics and packaging. The report questions the long-term effects of chronic low-dose exposure during key developmental stages.
Overmedication Under Scrutiny
The report shines a spotlight on what it terms the “overmedicalization” of American youth. There has been a staggering increase in the prescription of psychiatric medications, particularly antidepressants, among teenagers—up more than 1,400% since 1987.
Stimulant medications for ADHD, antibiotics for minor infections, and other drugs are also being dispensed at rates the commission deems excessive. The report argues that this trend may be contributing to side effects and long-term health consequences, particularly when alternative interventions such as nutrition and behavioral therapies are overlooked.
Tech-Driven Inactivity Hurting Young Bodies
In tandem with diet and medication, sedentary behavior has compounded the crisis. As digital devices become ever-present in daily life, children are spending less time in physical play and outdoor activity. This decline in exercise has been linked to weakened immune systems, sleep disorders, and a variety of emotional and behavioral issues.
The commission urges a national movement to reintroduce physical education in schools and increase access to recreational spaces, particularly in underserved communities.
Criticism and Controversy
Not all responses to the report have been favorable. Critics have raised concerns about some of the commission’s conclusions, especially those related to vaccine schedules. The report calls for more rigorous trial designs and longer-term safety studies, a stance that some medical professionals argue fuels unnecessary skepticism.
Additionally, the report has been criticized for downplaying socioeconomic contributors to poor health, such as lack of access to nutritious food or green spaces. By focusing heavily on individual and parental choices, some say the MAHA Commission overlooks systemic barriers that prevent healthier lifestyles.
Federal Action Plan on the Horizon
Despite the controversies, the White House is moving forward. President Trump has tasked the MAHA Commission with developing a comprehensive federal strategy within the next 80 days. Proposed measures will likely include educational campaigns, regulatory reforms, and funding for public health initiatives.
The goal, according to the commission, is to reverse the disturbing trends and create a healthier, more resilient generation. As policymakers weigh next steps, the report has sparked a national conversation about the true cost of modern convenience and the urgency of health reform.
