A large national study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly 20% of U.S. youth ages 2–19 have obesity, with rates rising to 38.5% among adolescents, raising concerns about lifelong health risks. “Obesity in childhood is common and serious, but modifiable,” said William Heerman, MD, MPH, emphasizing the need for early identification, family support, and proactive systems of care that ensure children and families have access to effective, evidence-based treatments.