By Afi S. Okon, MPA, Adv. Cert in Long-term Health Management. Founder/Executive Director, American Obesity Foundation
It’s 6:45 p.m. The kids are cranky, the dishes are stacked high, your phone keeps buzzing with reminders, and dinner – well, dinner is still in the drive-thru bag. You had the best of intentions this morning. Maybe even pulled out a frozen bag of veggies or made a mental note to take a walk. But the day had other plans.
You are not lazy. You are not failing. You’re human. And you’re not alone.
How Did We Get Here?
Let’s start with the truth: families are struggling. Between busy work schedules, screen time, sugar, stress, and sleep deprivation, it’s no wonder wellness feels like a fantasy. We live in a culture where junk food is cheaper than produce, where screens compete for every spare minute, and where self-care is marketed as a luxury – not a necessity. Our systems aren’t set up for balance. And while there’s no shortage of health advice out there, much of it is confusing, unrealistic, or rooted in guilt.
It’s no wonder many families find themselves stuck – knowing they want better, but unsure how to begin.
The Real Numbers (and Why They Matter)
Let’s pause and look at the reality facing today’s families: According to recent data, childhood obesity rates continue to rise, while anxiety and depression are affecting kids at younger and younger ages. Parents, too, are burned out, busy, and battling their own health issues. Below is important data for you to know:
1 in 5 children in the United States of America is living with obesity
Over 60% of adults say they feel too tired or stressed to exercise
Family meals are becoming more rare, replaced by rushed, individual eating
Mental health struggles among both parents or caregivers and children are rising sharply
But numbers only tell part of the story. Behind these statistics are real people – parents juggling it all, kids craving structure and connection, and households longing for a better rhythm.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed — and easy to blame ourselves. But here’s the thing: it’s not your fault. The modern world wasn’t built for health. It was built for convenience. Fast food, digital devices, and jam-packed schedules may be normal, but they’re not natural. Our bodies, minds, and hearts are paying the price.
