A new report from the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission highlights growing concerns over chronic diseases in children, blaming unhealthy diets, environmental toxins, overmedication, and vaccine overuse. Chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the commission urges federal agencies to investigate these root causes and promises a detailed action plan within 100 days, with findings expected in six months.
Estimates suggest that 10% to 50% of U.S. children suffer from chronic diseases, depending on the source. “To better protect our children, the U.S. must act decisively,” the report says, vowing to tackle causes, not just symptoms.
1. Poor Diets and Ultra-Processed Foods
The report strongly criticizes the heavy consumption of ultra-processed foods—sodas, sugary snacks, and artificially flavored products—citing their links to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, mental health issues, and early mortality. It calls for a shift toward whole foods like leafy greens, beans, nuts, meat, and full-fat dairy.
Marion Nestle, PhD, praised the report for its direct approach, though she warned that real change may face pushback from the powerful food industry. Registered dietitian Connie Diekman also noted that education and affordability are key—“Telling people to cut ultra-processed food isn’t enough if healthier food is inaccessible or unaffordable.”
2. Pesticides and Environmental Chemicals
The MAHA report also flags environmental toxins—particularly pesticides—as a major concern for children’s health. Kids are more vulnerable than adults to pollutants in food, air, and consumer products. However, experts like Dr. Jaymie Meliker of Stony Brook University say there’s still a lack of strong research on how chemical mixtures impact health.
Despite concerns, the report avoids declaring widely used pesticides like glyphosate and atrazine unsafe, reportedly due to industry and political pressure. The American Farm Bureau Federation responded that the report unfairly blames agriculture, arguing that farmers are equally committed to improving public health.
3. Overmedication of Children
The commission argues that children are being prescribed medications—including stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, asthma drugs, and obesity treatments—at alarming rates, often unnecessarily. One in five U.S. children reportedly took at least one prescription drug in the past month.
Some experts, however, disagree. Dr. Max Wiznitzer, a pediatric neurologist, says improved awareness—not overdiagnosis—is behind rising prescription rates. Dr. Ragy Girgis adds that many psychiatric drugs are both safe and effective. The real problem, they argue, is a lack of access to therapy and long wait times, not overmedication.
4. Questioning Vaccine Safety
The report raises doubts about the increasing number of recommended childhood vaccines, noting that U.S. children now receive up to 29 doses by age one, compared to just three in 1986. While it reflects Kennedy’s well-known skepticism, the scientific consensus remains firm: vaccines are safe, effective, and essential to public health.
Experts like Dr. Stephen Morse warn that challenging vaccine safety could fuel hesitancy, leading to more outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. While serious side effects are rare, the risks of not vaccinating far outweigh them.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle and Screen Time
Children today spend more time on screens and less time moving. The report cites this as a key factor in declining fitness, obesity, and poor mental health. Over 70% of children and 85% of teens fail to meet the CDC’s recommendation of at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity daily.
Dr. Jenny Radesky of the American Academy of Pediatrics acknowledged that while the report’s take on screen time lacks scientific depth, it resonates with parental concerns. Experts advocate for balanced routines with tech-free zones, daily exercise, and sufficient sleep.
Dr. James Gangwisch from Columbia University adds that increased screen time directly reduces opportunities for physical activity, which is crucial for both mental and physical well-being.
