The National Institute for Children’s Research and Policy estimates that approximately 26% of children aged 2 to 5 are overweight or living with obesity in the United States. These statistics reflect an alarming and worldwide surge in childhood obesity since the 1990s, fueled by shifts toward more sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, and food deserts that make ultra-processed options more accessible than whole and holistic nutrition. Dramatic disparities in childhood obesity across racial and ethnic groups— with non-Hispanic and Hispanic Black children experiencing obesity rates nearly three times higher than Asian children and significantly higher than white children—  show how social determinants shape health outcomes long before kids are old enough to make their own food and lifestyle choices.

The individual and collective consequences of childhood obesity, poor food environments, and lack of infrastructure for exercise and recreation are numerous. Children with body mass indices (BMI) above the 85^th percentile carry a higher risk of serious, long-term health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and orthopedic problems. They are also more likely to experience sleep apnea, asthma, and hormonal imbalances that can stunt growth and development. The individual ripple effects extend to families and entire communities, who bear the burden of mounting healthcare costs. According to the CDC, medical expenses (including doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and medications) for children with moderate to severe obesity are $116 to $310 higher than those of children at a healthy weight. These costs disproportionately impact families that already face economic and social adversity.

Childhood obesity is not just a health epidemic, but a pressing concern of social justice and economic equity that disproportionately affects children from low-income families and communities of color. As such, Whittier Street Health Center’s approach to preventing and managing childhood obesity in our service area embraces both individual transformation and systems-wide change. Through our Pediatric Healthy Weight Clinic, we work with kids and their families by providing personalized nutrition education, case management, and opportunities for physical activity to empower them to make healthier choices. We also offer food pantry services, WIC services and a community garden to address the root causes of health disparities. For more information on Whittier’s Pediatric Healthy Weight Clinic and other initiatives to tackle childhood obesity, please call the Pediatrics Department at (617) 858- 2436 or visit: https://www.wshc.org/programs/pediatric-healthy-weight-clinic/.