Your health today impacts your not-yet-conceived children
The number of kids ages 10 to 17 estimated to have Type 2 diabetes has gone up 400% since 2017, according to a newly released study in JAMA Pediatrics. That means that ever-more preteens and teens are looking at a future plagued with not just Type 2 diabetes but with obesity, premature heart disease, increased cancer risks and cognition problems.
And while kids' highly processed, nutritionally stripped diets (those foods comprise 66% of their calories) and lack of physical activity (almost 80% of kids ages 6 to 17 don't get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily) are huge contributors to their increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and other health problems, there are other contributors. YOU, Mom and Dad.
A study in the journal Nutrients indicates that when a dad is obese before conception, it causes epigenetic changes in the sperm that trigger metabolic changes in their unborn children, leading to overweight, diabetes and even heart disease. Other studies show that a mother's preconception obesity is also linked to childhood obesity and metabolic disorders, as well as asthma and cardiovascular issues. And we know that nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in both parents during preconception can contribute to increased metabolic disease risk and are linked to developmental disorders.
So, if you can't achieve a healthy weight for yourself, do it for your future children -- and discover how much happier, energetic and focused it makes you too! For advice and support on your journey, check out the AI coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com and my book, "The Great Age Reboot."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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