While recent research has shown that children with obesity rates have been rising, a new report showed exactly how fast and high the rates have become within the span of a few years.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and new data from the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) and Jump IN for Healthy Kids shows a troubling trend. The report highlights that one in five children in Indiana, aged 2 to 19, are living with obesity.

This is a significant problem with wide-ranging consequences. The most alarming finding is a dramatic 83% increase in obesity among children ages 2 to 5 between 2014 and 2023, with much of this rise happening during the pandemic.

Childhood obesity has been linked with numerous health problems, whether it is decrease in the quality of life or even premature death according to HPI (Health Policy institute). It has also been named as a risk factor of the 4 leading causes of death in the US, which are coronary heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke and cancer.

How Is Obesity Affecting Children

One Childhood obesity isn't just a matter of weight. It deeply impacts a child's overall well-being.

Physical Health

Kids with obesity are at a much higher risk of developing serious medical conditions. This includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and orthopedic issues caused by the extra weight on their growing bones and joints. These problems can follow them into adulthood, leading to chronic diseases.

Emotional and Social Well-being

The struggle with obesity can also affect a child's mental state. They may experience low self-esteem and anxiety, which can cause them to feel insecure and withdraw from social activities. This may lead to them skipping school or avoiding extracurricular activities they might otherwise enjoy.

Economic Impact

There are also significant financial costs. A child with obesity is estimated to have $19,000 more in lifetime medical costs than a child who is at a healthy weight. This places a financial burden on families and the healthcare system.

What's Causing This and What Can We Do?

Several factors contribute to childhood obesity, including genetics, access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, and neighborhood safety. HPI explains that obesity is linked with physical inactivity. Two factors that caused it were over-reliance on electronics for entertainment and decreased participation in physical education programs in school

Economic challenges can also push families toward less expensive, highly processed foods instead of fresh, nutritious options. This makes it harder for them to maintain a healthy diet, even when they know it's important. The good news is that solutions are within reach. It's a complex problem that requires a combined effort from everyone.

• Families can start by setting good examples. This means eating nutritious meals together and limiting the amount of time spent in front of screens.

• Schools can help by making sure children get daily physical activity and have access to healthy meal options during the school day.

• Policymakers and community groups can work on a larger scale by improving access to affordable, healthy food and creating safe places for kids to play and be active.

The key is to work together without blame or shame. As Tami Silverman of the IYI says, it’s about taking practical steps as a community to create lasting change for our kids.

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, has captured hearts once again, not through politics, but through storytelling. Her children’s book, Mum’s Busy Work, offers a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a working mother from the perspective of her daughter, Neve.

Released shortly after her memoir, the book resonates deeply with parents who juggle professional responsibilities and family life, offering lessons about work-life balance, parental guilt, and the modern dynamics of caregiving.

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A Child’s Perspective: Seeing the World Through Neve’s Eyes

The best part about Mum’s Busy Work is the narration by Neve, Ardern’s daughter. This makes the book innocent and captures the small moments and big emotions that define a child’s experience of having a working mother.

From noticing her mother’s “big briefcase” to exploring the Prime Minister’s office during a visit, Neve offers a window into the feelings children experience when their parents are often busy or away. The story is not about political milestones or public achievements, it is about emotions: the excitement, curiosity, worry, and joy that fill a child’s daily life.

How Can Jacinda's Book Benefit Working Mother

Through Neve’s eyes, parents are reminded that children are sensitive to more than just presence, they notice moods, energy, and small gestures.

On Mondays, Neve stomps her feet at daycare, expressing frustration at the separation, yet by the end of the week, she delights in dancing with her mother in “clippy-cloppy” work shoes. This oscillation between anxiety and joy emphasizes that children value meaningful interactions, no matter how brief, over constant presence.

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Normalizing Working Mothers and Challenging Gender Stereotypes

One of the book’s most powerful messages is that working mothers are normal, capable, and loving. In a society where mothers are often expected to prioritize childcare over careers, Ardern’s story is refreshing. Neve sees her mother both as a caregiver and as a professional, demonstrating that a parent’s career does not reduce their love or attention.

The story also subtly challenges traditional gender roles. Clarke Gayford, Ardern’s partner, is shown actively participating in household chores and spending quality time with Neve.

Scenes like Gayford doing the washing or joining for a Saturday picnic present a balanced, modern view of parenting. This stands in contrast to conventional children’s books, where mothers often remain home as nurturers while fathers are portrayed as the fun, adventurous parent.

By presenting caregiving and play as shared responsibilities, Ardern normalizes equality within the household and sets an example for children about inclusive family roles.

Navigating Mum Guilt and Embracing Work-Life Balance

Ardern’s story also addresses a universal challenge for working mothers: “mum guilt.”

The constant worry about not spending enough time with children is something Ardern admits to experiencing, particularly while serving as New Zealand’s youngest Prime Minister to give birth in office.

Yet Mum’s Busy Work conveys that guilt is often self-imposed. As Ardern reflects, her daughter’s questions and experiences did not amplify the guilt, it was created by her own expectations.

For parents, this is a crucial takeaway: balancing career and family requires acknowledging your feelings, accepting that perfection is unattainable, and finding peace in the moments you can dedicate to your children. It’s about being fully present in the time you have, whether it’s reading, dancing, or simply playing together, rather than obsessing over how many hours you spend in the day.

The book also highlights the importance of flexibility and working on your own terms. Ardern shows that professional fulfillment and motherhood are not mutually exclusive. By integrating snippets of daily life—playing hide-and-seek, chocolate treasure hunts, and shared routines—she illustrates that parents can craft their schedules and interactions in ways that prioritize connection and love.

Celebrating the Parent-Child Bond

At its heart, Mum’s Busy Work celebrates the bond between parent and child. Neve’s delight in dancing, reading, and playing with her mother reinforces the idea that children value presence, attention, and shared experiences above all else. The book emphasizes emotional closeness, reassuring children that even when their parents are busy with work, their love remains constant.

The story’s illustrations, by Ruby Jones, complement this message beautifully. Using a colorful and expressive style, the images capture Neve’s moods and perspective, from the anxiety of separation to the joy of shared play. The visual storytelling enhances the narrative, making the emotional nuances accessible even to the youngest readers.

Lessons for Modern Parents

Mum’s Busy Work is more than a children’s story, it is a guide for modern parenting. Here are some key takeaways:

Quality over quantity: Focus on meaningful interactions rather than the total time spent. Even brief, engaged moments can leave lasting impressions on children.

It’s okay to work: A parent’s career does not diminish their love or ability to nurture. Children benefit from seeing parents pursue passions and responsibilities.

Share household responsibilities: Household chores and caregiving should be shared, modeling equality and teamwork for children.

Embrace imperfection: Accept that balancing work and parenting is challenging. Let go of self-imposed guilt and focus on what truly matters.

Build a support system: Friends, family, and partners play a critical role in helping parents manage responsibilities while maintaining emotional connection with their children.

Challenge gender norms: Encourage children to see caregiving and fun as shared roles, breaking traditional stereotypes about mothers and fathers.

A Subtle Feminist Statement

While the book is heartwarming, it also carries a subtle feminist undertone. By positioning herself as both a mother and a professional, Ardern subverts the traditional notion that women must choose between career and family. She demonstrates that it is possible to define success on one’s own terms while nurturing the next generation.

When a child struggles with constipation, the problem can ripple through the whole household, creating discomfort, stress, and frustration. While parents often worry about how many times their child goes to the bathroom, one leading pediatric expert says that frequency is not the most important measure. Instead, what matters most is stool consistency.

Consistency, Not Frequency

According to Dr. Jaya Punati, a neurogastroenterologist and co-director of the Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, constipation is often misunderstood.

“Constipation is not frequency of stooling,” she explained in a statement quoted by USA Today. “Constipation is consistency of stooling.”

Healthy stool should be soft and easy to pass, resembling a coil or soft pile—similar to the familiar “poop emoji.” Hard, dry stool, on the other hand, is a clear sign of constipation.

Normal bowel movement frequency can vary greatly among children, ranging anywhere from three times a week to three times a day. For this reason, parents should focus on how stools look and feel, not on how often bathroom visits occur.

The Role of Diet and Hydration

The first line of defense against constipation begins at the dining table. Dr. Punati highlights the importance of diet and hydration, noting that children should eat five to six servings of fruits and vegetables daily, each accompanied by a cup of water.

“Dry food, dry poop,” she emphasized, explaining that fiber-rich foods paired with water bring needed moisture into the colon, softening stool and making it easier to pass.

While fiber supplements like psyllium or flax seeds are widely available, Dr. Punati cautions parents not to rely on them as the first solution. “It’s better to eat an apple than to take a fiber pill. They’re not equivalent,” she said. Whole foods also support the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in overall digestive health.

Mushers and Pushers: Medication Options

For children with stubborn or chronic constipation, dietary changes may not be enough. In such cases, medication can help, and Dr. Punati categorizes treatments into two broad types: “mushers” and “pushers.”

Mushers (Osmotic laxatives): These draw water into the colon, softening stool. MiraLAX, which contains polyethylene glycol, is a common option. Other mushers include magnesium, mineral oil, and sugar syrups such as lactulose or Karo corn syrup.

Pushers (Stimulant laxatives): These trigger muscle contractions to move stool along. Options include senna, bisacodyl, and glycerin suppositories.

Dr. Punati generally recommends starting with mushers for a gentler effect before considering stimulant options.

When to Seek Medical Help

While many cases of constipation can be managed at home, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Dr. Punati advises parents to call a pediatrician if a child’s stool does not improve after a week of dietary adjustments and over-the-counter treatments.

Soiling, or involuntary leakage of liquid stool, is a sign of severe constipation. While it is not an emergency, it should prompt a doctor’s visit.

However, urgent care is needed if a child experiences severe abdominal pain and is unable to pass any stool. In such cases, Dr. Punati recommends heading straight to the emergency room.

Takeaway for Parents

Constipation in children is common, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key takeaway, experts say, is to watch stool consistency rather than frequency, ensure kids get enough fruits, vegetables, and fluids, and use medication cautiously when necessary.

If constipation persists despite home efforts, parents should not delay in seeking medical advice. As Dr. Punati told USA Today, “If you are unable to find a solution at home, you should bring it to a doctor’s attention.”

Childhood obesity is a long-term health condition that develops when a child’s weight is above the healthy range for their age, height, and sex. According to Mayo Clinic, doctors define it as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children 2 years and older. September is marked as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and India too is seeing worrying numbers, especially in cities where lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and less physical activity are driving the trend.

How Common Is Childhood Obesity?

Childhood obesity is not just a concern in India. In the United States, CDC data from 2017–2020 showed that about 19.7% of children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 had obesity, roughly 14.7 million young people. Among them, 12.7% were between ages 2–5, 20.7% were 6–11, and 22.2% were 12–19.

Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director & Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital explains that in recent years, obesity among children has risen sharply due to many factors. Kids are spending more time in front of screens, getting less outdoor play, and attending online classes, all of which cut down their activity levels. At the same time, fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become a regular part of diets.

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Modern lifestyles also encourage frequent dining out, reliance on processed meals, and irregular eating. Add limited access to safe play areas, heavy academic schedules, and family history of obesity, and the risks become even higher. Without intervention, obesity in childhood often continues into adulthood, increasing chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even some cancers.

Causes Of Childhood Obesity

Obesity develops when children take in more calories than they burn, but it is rarely about laziness or lack of willpower. Several factors play a role:

Genetics and epigenetics

Children with parents or siblings who have obesity are more likely to develop it themselves. Certain genes affect how the body stores and uses energy. Experiences such as trauma or stress can also change how genes work, influencing metabolism and increasing the risk.

Family and home environment factors

Habits at home strongly shape a child’s health. Having sugary drinks, eating oversized portions, frequent snacking on processed foods, dining out instead of cooking, excess screen time, lack of exercise, poor sleep, and even secondhand smoke exposure can all contribute.

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Social determinants of health

The surroundings in which children grow up also matter. Affordable healthy food may not always be accessible, and fast-food outlets may be more common. Lack of transport, social support, or safe recreational areas adds to the challenge. School meals and activities also influence a child’s diet and daily routine.

Cultural factors

Advertising and marketing of fast foods and sugary drinks—whether on TV, online, or in stores, make unhealthy options more appealing to children.

How To Prevent Childhood Obesity

• Balanced nutrition: Encourage home-cooked meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit fried foods, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.
• Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise daily, such as sports, cycling, or outdoor games.
• Reduced screen time: Limit television, mobile, and gaming time to help children stay active and sleep better.
• Family involvement: Lead by example—eat meals together, exercise as a family, and make health a priority.
• School initiatives: Schools should provide nutritious meals, promote physical education, and teach healthy habits.