Deterioration of Health Among American Children Observed Between 2007 and 2023, According to Researchers
A groundbreaking study published by Christopher Forrest in 2025 reveals a concerning trend in children's health in the United States. The research, conducted over a 16-year period from 2007 to 2022, shows a decline in children's health compared to 18 high-income countries.
According to the study, infants in the U.S. were 1.78 times more likely to die than their counterparts in these countries. The two leading causes of death with the largest rate difference were prematurity and sudden, unexpected infant death, with American babies being 2.22 and 3.39 times more likely to die from these issues, respectively.
As children grow older, the trend continues. Children aged one to 19 years were 1.8 times more likely to die than their counterparts from the 18 countries. The study also found an increase in rates of depressive symptoms and loneliness during the study period.
Moreover, American children's health worsened over the 16-year period. The prevalence of chronic conditions among children aged 3 to 17 years increased from 39% to 45%. This worrying trend also saw American children aged one to 19 years being 15.34 times more likely to die from firearm-related incidents and 2.45 times more likely to die from motor vehicle crashes.
The study, conducted by researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), concludes that the broad scope of deterioration in children's health highlights the need to identify and address the root causes of this "fundamental decline" in American health.
Christopher Forrest suggests that the trends are connected to how society values children's health. He points out that many of these trends in children's health started back in the 1970s, though the study itself does not specifically discuss the prevalence of physical, developmental, or mental health conditions, obesity, sleep health, early puberty, limitations in activity, or physical and emotional symptoms in relation to the 18 high-income countries.
The study does not provide specific data on the rates of firearm-related incidents or motor vehicle crashes for children aged one to 19 years. For questions, concerns, or tips, contact Christopher Forrest at [email protected].
The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex ecosystem affecting children's health. Understanding the broader trends, such as socioeconomic factors, environmental and lifestyle changes, healthcare system and policy, mental health, and social isolation, can help explain why children's health has been declining over time in the U.S.
- The study, published by Christopher Forrest in 2025, indicates that the prevalence of mental health issues like depressive symptoms and loneliness among American children has increased during the 16-year research period.
- In the study, researchers have found that Medicare doesn't cover treatments for certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may lead to a disparity in care for children suffering from these chronic diseases.
- As part of the comprehensive approach to improving children's health and wellness, some parents are turning to alternative treatment options like CBD to help manage symptoms of chronic diseases and address mental health issues in a more holistic manner.
