RFK Jr. leads health commission warning of ‘chronic disease crisis’ among youth

diseases in children in 100 days, in August, with policy recommendations for the federal government. The report released on Thursday highlighted the alarming rise in chronic health issues among U.S. youths, including a significant increase in teenage depression, obesity, autism diagnoses, and childhood cancer cases.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as the chair of the commission, emphasized the need for a coordinated transformation of the food, health, and scientific systems in order to prioritize prevention, wellbeing, and resilience for all Americans. The report identified various factors contributing to the chronic disease crisis, including the consumption of foods with added chemicals, exposure to environmental toxins, and the overprescription of pharmaceuticals to children.

The report also pointed out the concerning trend of overmedication among American children, with a significant increase in prescriptions for conditions such as ADHD, depression, and psychosis. The commission highlighted the need for a shift towards a proactive approach to healthcare, rather than a reactionary one.

One of the key findings of the report was the potential negative impact of fluoride exposure on children’s IQ levels. The EPA is currently reviewing data on fluoride in drinking water to potentially revise the federal standard. Additionally, the report emphasized the need for a healthier food system, with a focus on reducing the consumption of processed foods high in sugars, additives, and saturated fats.

Director of the National Institutes of Health Jay Bhattacharya underscored the urgency of addressing the health issues facing America’s youth, warning that the next generation may live shorter lives than their parents if the current trends continue. The report highlighted the need for a holistic approach to promoting children’s health, including economic policies that support a strong economy as a social determinant of public health.

President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made it a priority to “Make America Healthy Again,” with a focus on addressing chronic diseases in children, including autism. The commission, established by executive order in February, is set to release its policy recommendations in August to tackle the growing crisis of childhood chronic diseases in the United States.