MAHA Commission Releases Report on U.S. Childhood Chronic Disease Crisis

Presidential Commission Releases Landmark Report on U.S. Childhood Chronic Disease Crisis

May 22, 2025 – The Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) has released a groundbreaking assessment identifying the root causes behind the growing childhood chronic disease crisis in the United States.

Created under an executive order by President Trump, the commission was tasked with delivering the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment”—a key document shaping the future of national health policy for American youth.

Main Findings

The report outlines a complex web of factors contributing to the rise in chronic illnesses among children. These include:

• Consumption of ultra-processed foods

• Exposure to environmental toxins

• Sedentary lifestyles

• Chronic stress

• Excessive reliance on pharmaceutical treatments

Puntos clave

1. Food Safety Oversight Gaps

The report highlights significant flaws in the FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) system. It recommends an overhaul to ensure more rigorous review of additives and chemicals frequently found in children’s diets.

2. Environmental Toxins

Environmental exposures are cited as major contributors to childhood disease. The report urges the Agencia de Protección Ambiental to enhance chemical risk assessments, especially those affecting children, while balancing economic considerations.

3. Childhood Obesity Increase

Obesity rates among children over age six have increased by more than 270% since the 1970s. The report calls for tighter nutritional standards on products marketed to young audiences.

4. Pediatric Cancer Spike

There has been a 40% increase in pediatric cancer diagnoses since 1975. The NIH is encouraged to prioritize research into the environmental and genetic causes of these trends.

5. Overmedicalization in Pediatrics

The report advises CMS to limit unnecessary pharmaceutical use in children. It advocates for evidence-based protocols and increased support for prevention-focused and holistic care models.

¿Que sigue?

The MAHA Commission now has 82 days to complete a national strategy informed by these findings. The strategy will guide cross-agency action involving NIH, FDA, EPA, CMS, and others to help reverse chronic disease trends and protect future generations.

The full report is available on the official White House health policy website.

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