Childhood obesity continues to rise in the United States. In fact, the prevalence of childhood obesity in our country has more than tripled in the past four decades. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Prevention, 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. are considered obese.
As a board-certified pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente, I am regularly seeing this trend in my practice.
What’s driving the increase in childhood obesity?
The reasons for this increase are many, including:
- Living a sedentary lifestyle. Rather than playing outside or participating in physical activity, many children spend several hours a day on screens.
- Easy availability of highly processed foods, including sugary snacks and beverages.
- Psychological factors, such as increased stress and anxiety.
- Environmental factors, including fewer family meals, irregular sleep schedules and limited access to safe places to play.
Health risks associated with childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is often a precursor for obesity as an adult. Approximately 85% of youth with obesity will grow up to be adults with obesity. Many are also likely to develop health conditions connected with obesity, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. Some patients are diagnosed with these conditions as kids.
But when patients make intensive changes early, they can dramatically improve their health and long-term well-being.
Kaiser Permanente’s approach to supporting kids
That is why, at the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group/Kaiser Permanente, we are working diligently to help kids who are affected by childhood obesity. In 2025, we launched a Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine Program. This physician-led initiative offers personalized, evidence-based care to eligible teens who are motivated to lose weight and embrace healthier habits.
The Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine Program encourages teens to make sustainable changes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and screen time. Working collaboratively with families, the Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine team creates tailored, evidenced-based goals for each patient so that kids not only lose weight but develop tools to promote wellness in the future.
Once enrolled in the program, participants complete a questionnaire covering weight history, diet habits, physical activity, sleep history and more. Responses help the Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine team create a personalized plan that supports healthy habits and long-term success for each child and family.
Introducing the virtual lifestyle medicine visit
Participants have a virtual consultation with a lifestyle medicine doctor. During this visit, responses to the questionnaire are reviewed. The doctor also discusses the pillars of lifestyle medicine – nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management and social connection. Medical history is reviewed, including a comprehensive look at medications and a discussion of previous attempts to lose weight. The doctor also works with teens and their families on goal setting.
Additional support may include referrals for sleep studies, health coaching, nutrition counseling, physical therapy and mental health services.
Follow-up video visits often include education, motivation and support. Most participants are in the program for about six months, but this can be extended based on individual circumstances.
Apart from the Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine program, we encourage kids who want to learn about weight management to meet with a health coach. During these virtual visits, kids can learn how to improve sleep habits, diet and exercise; learn about goal setting; and learn how to manage screen time.
We also encourage kids and families to consider meeting with a dietitian, who can work closely with families and recommend dietary changes.
I always tell families that childhood obesity can be stigmatizing and detrimental to a child’s self-esteem. That is why I encourage families, when possible, to make healthy living a family affair. That might mean going for walks or hikes together; everyone prioritizing healthy foods; and parents modeling healthy habits.
Remember, your child’s medical team is there to support you and your family. If your child is struggling with healthy eating, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, reach out to your child’s doctor for support.
Christina Brown, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. She sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente White Marsh Medical Center.
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is a board-certified pediatrician with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. She sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente White Marsh Medical Center.
Is a board-certified pediatrician with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. She sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente White Marsh Medical Center.
