An official website of the United States government
Beyond the Plate: Understanding and Addressing the Drivers of Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is shaped by more than individual food choices. Children’s diets are influenced by the broader food environment, including the availability of ultraprocessed foods, specifically high-sodium and sugar-sweetened products, and their social acceptance as a result of their prominence in the media. These factors are interconnected with the availability of healthy foods, access to safe places for play, physical activity, sleep, and screen time. Together, they make childhood obesity a complex public health issue shaped by families, communities, schools, media, and the built environment.
Addressing childhood obesity requires coordinated, evidence-based action beyond individual choices. The 8 peer-reviewed articles in this collection examine how families, caregivers, schools, communities, and public health professionals can create healthier environments and routines for children. Their findings address food and beverage choices, physical activity, ultraprocessed foods, screen time, stress, and unequal access to resources, offering practical strategies to support the growth and well-being for every child.
Leonard Jack, Jr, PhD, MSc
Editor in Chief, Preventing Chronic Disease
RESEARCH BRIEF
PEER REVIEWED
Koyama AK, Woodruff RC, Jackson SL, Gunn JP, Self JL. Top Food Contributors of Sodium Intake in US Children and Adults Aged 1 Year or Older, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, August 2021–August 2023. Prev Chronic Dis 2026;23:260054.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
PEER REVIEWED
Ultraprocessed Foods in Popular Children’s Television Series
Tzoutzou M, Detopoulou P, Matalas A, Bathrellou E. Ultraprocessed Foods in Popular Children’s Television Series. Prev Chronic Dis 2026;23:250301.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
PEER REVIEWED
Crouch E, Yell N, Boswell E, Odahowski C, Hung P, Benavidez G. Geographic Differences in Obesogenic Behaviors and Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents. Prev Chronic Dis 2025;22:250215.
ESSAY
PEER REVIEWED
Our Schoolyard Infrastructure Just Isn’t Cutting It: Play Is Public Health
Wilson K, Schulke M. Our Schoolyard Infrastructure Just Isn’t Cutting It: Play Is Public Health. Prev Chronic Dis 2025;22:250121.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
PEER REVIEWED
Associations Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among US Teenagers
Zablotsky B, Ng AE, Black LI, Haile G, Bose J, Jones JR, et al. Associations Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among US Teenagers. Prev Chronic Dis 2025;22:240537.
RESEARCH BRIEF
PEER REVIEWED
Z Reid A, You W, Markwalter T, Porter K, Brock D, Chow P, et al. Maintenance of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Behaviors Among Adolescents and Their Caregivers: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Prev Chronic Dis 2025;22:240520.
RESEARCH BRIEF
PEER REVIEWED
Rothpletz-Puglia P, Nabi A, Hynes A, Kutiyanawala Z, Cogan-Drew T, Mbadugha N, et al. Using Photovoice to Create Awareness and Proactive Attitudes Among Mothers of Preschool-Aged Children About the Prevalence of Ultraprocessed Food in the Local Food Environment. Prev Chronic Dis 2026;23:250377.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
PEER REVIEWED
Parental Perceived Stress and Its Association With Childhood Obesity in Spain: The PASOS Study
García S, Ródenas-Munar M, Cereijo L, Sevilla-Sanchez M, Gusi N, Gómez SF, et al. Parental Perceived Stress and Its Association With Childhood Obesity in Spain: The PASOS Study. Prev Chronic Dis 2026;23:260028.
The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors’ affiliated institutions.
