Naturally you want your kids to grow up strong and healthy — and that includes being mindful of how and what they eat and feel in their bodies. A new study in The Lancet suggests that by 2050, about one in three kids could be overweight or obese, making it a great time to think about healthy habits at home.
While the health risks linked to extra weight — like diabetes, high blood pressure, and emotional challenges — are real, so are the risks of body shame and negative self-image, so you need to be careful. It’s a balancing act: encouraging wellness without focusing too much on weight.
A Quick Look at the Study
The recent Lancet study (March 2025) took a peek at body weight trends in 204 countries — and it’s been a big shift. Since 1990, the number of kids and adults who are overweight or living with obesity has more than doubled. That’s a lot of change in just a few decades, and it’s got researchers (and parents) thinking more about how we can support healthy habits early on.
The researchers behind the study looked into the future — and their forecast is a call to action. By 2050, they predict that nearly a third of kids and teens could be living in larger bodies. That’s a big number, and it’s why the experts are encouraging health leaders to step up with smarter support: things like helping families build healthy habits from the start.
Giving Kids the Tools They Need
The study’s lead researcher says it isn’t just about numbers — it’s about making sure kids have the tools they need to grow up feeling good in their bodies and supported in their health. Conversations about health and weight can feel tricky — especially with kids. Coming at it with judgment or pressure can do more harm than good. The good news? There’s a better way. Instead of focusing on numbers, we can focus on the whole picture: how kids eat, move, sleep, and feel about themselves
Connection, Not Correction
The goal, researchers and health advocates say, isn’t to “fix” your child — it’s to connect with them. According to Pete Evans, author of Healthy Food for Healthy Kids, “You are what you absorb.” Evans believes that healthy eating should be enjoyable and not a sacrifice of flavor. He encourages families to explore healthy eating together, from choosing recipes to noticing how different food make them feel, with kids taking more responsibility as they age.
Kids don’t need food lectures; they need support, encouragement, and positive routines. Here’s how to shift the conversation in a way that feels good for everyone:
Say this, not that:
-
Instead of “You need to eat better,” try:
“Our bodies are amazing — let’s find foods that make us feel strong and energized.” -
Instead of focusing on appearance, focus on feeling:
“Did that snack give you energy or make you feel kinda blah?” -
Make it a team effort:
“Let’s all try drinking more water this week!”
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More Ways to Be Healthy With Kids
Cook together:
Kids are way more likely to eat something they helped make. Bonus: it’s a great time to bond.
Hydrate + rest:
Special water bottles, bedtime stories, and screen-free wind-down time help the whole family recharge.
Offer joyful swaps:
Instead of “no sweets,” try “yes to smoothie bowls, frozen fruit pops, and yogurt with cinnamon!”
Be real and relatable:
Health isn’t about being perfect — it’s about showing up, trying new things, and growing together.
And remember: kids are always watching. They learn more from what we do than what we say. So when they see you enjoying veggies, moving your body, and speaking kindly about yourself, that’s what really sticks. Because at the end of the day, health is about more than size — it’s about helping kids feel strong, confident, and loved in the skin they’re in.
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