In the past 40 years, the number of children with obesity in the U.S. has more than tripled. And the trend continues.

A new study in JAMA looked at almost 15,000 children and teens and found that overall obesity increased from 18% to 21.4% for boys and from 17% to 21.6% for girls between 2011 and 2020. This is in kids. And they’re not just overweight, but obese.

Especially affected were the youngest, ages 2 to 5: 10.3% were obese in 2011 and 12.9% were in 2020. Kids 12 to 19 also saw a significant jump, from 17.7% to 21.5%.

Sadly, many of these kids will lose some of their brainpower and go on to develop chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and depression prematurely.

Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity accounts for much of the problem. So does exposure to hormone disruptors such as BPS and PFAs in toys, clothes, etc.

Parents can help prevent obesity in their children. Better meal planning and more physical activities will go a long way to changing outcomes. And it’s possible to reduce exposure to environmental toxins. For guidance, check out the Environmental Working Group at www.ewg.org.

Also take a look at the American Medical Association's recommendations for where parents can find help improving their children's health:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov, search for "obesity initiatives."

• American Academy of Pediatrics' Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight at ihcw.aap.org.

• U.S. Preventative Services Task Force at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Search for "obesity in children."