A new opinion essay in STAT, co-authored by two pediatricians and a retired four-star general, argues that the declining health of American children is a root cause of several seemingly separate national crises. The authors point to a 2020 Department of Defense study showing 77% of young adults do not qualify for military service due to health concerns, and note that three military branches missed recruitment goals in fiscal year 2023. They contend that these problems trace back to childhood conditions such as obesity, chronic illness, anxiety, and depression.
The essay cites a JAMA study from last year that found children's health deteriorated sharply between 2007 and 2023, with American children 1.8 times more likely to die than children in other industrialized countries. The authors estimate that four in ten American children will grow into adults limited by health problems, affecting school performance, workforce participation, and long-term productivity. They draw a parallel to the 1960s, when military leaders responded to similar fitness concerns by expanding anti-poverty programs and Medicaid's screening and treatment benefits.
As a solution, the authors reference the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's recent report "Launching Lifelong Health," which recommends ensuring healthcare access, supporting nutrition, investing in research, and reducing economic hardship for families. They argue these are proven, practical steps, but the main challenge is building political will to treat child health as a national security priority. The piece is an opinion, not a news report, and presents a single perspective rather than a range of views.