The Health Crisis Of Digital And AI Natives: Childhood Obesity In Gen Alpha And Gen Beta

A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS IN A TECH-DRIVEN WORLD

Childhood obesity rates are climbing worldwide, raising significant public health concerns in an increasingly technology-driven and sedentary world. This trend increases the risk of both short- and long-term health problems, including other serious chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and life-threatening conditions. Pre-obesity and obesity are now acknowledged as chronic, complex, and multifactorial medical conditions that can be effectively managed through a comprehensive approach across all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. Excess weight in childhood also raises the likelihood that obesity will persist into adulthood. Recognizing the growing crisis, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially classified obesity as a disease in 2013, a pivotal moment that continues to shape how this disease is understood and treated. More recently, on June 9, 2025, Dr. Ethan Lazarus, Past President of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), announced: "With the help of our AMA Obesity Caucus, effective immediately, the AMA has elevated obesity to a Public Health Priority. What does this mean? Resolution 427 called on the AMA to elevate obesity within its strategic plan. This move places obesity on equal footing with other critical diseases, including hypertension and prediabetes”(3).

Addressing obesity early is critical, starting with Generation Alpha (children born between 2010 and 2024) and extending into Generation Beta (those born between 2025 and 2039). These generations are growing up in a fast-paced environment that is saturated with digital media, artificial intelligence, and fast food marketing, all of which negatively influence lifestyle choices from a young age. Through early obesity screening and the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices, we can empower children to develop lifelong habits that support sustained health and overall well-being.

THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT OF GEN ALPHA AND BETA

In today’s technology-driven world, digital devices are integrated into both school and home environments. Generation Alpha children are exposed to new technology such as AirPods, AI, Alexa, Apple Watch, Autonomous Vehicles, Biometrics, Chatbot, ChatGPT, Discord, Facebook, Google Assistant, Google Chat, Google Lens, Google Meet, Instagram, iPad, Medium, Messenger Kids, Meta AI, Quantum Computing, Robot Vacuums, Siri, Smart Speakers, Smart toothbrushes, Smart TV, Smartphones, Smartwatches, Snapchat, Sora, Streaming, Tiktok, Virtual Reality, Voice Chat, Zoom, and 3D printers(1). Children from Generation Alpha are frequently connected to electronic devices, with a growing number experiencing overweight or childhood obesity. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many children continued spending several hours a day on screens. There is a known link between childhood obesity and screen time. “The term 'screen time' is relatively new terminology, referring to time spent on televisions, computer monitors, and mobile devices. From kindergarten to college, students have woven their lives around these gadgets in the 21st century. In addition to educational activities, children conduct their social activities online. Almost 75% of the teens have their own smartphones, and 25% admit to being “constantly connected” to the internet/social media. Other alarming screen time statistics are: Children between the ages of 8–18 spend approximately 7.5 hours/day on entertainment media, 4.5 hours/day watching TV, and 1.5 hours/day on the computer”(2).

Screen time exposure is likely to increase among Generation Beta children due to advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies; increased use in education, entertainment, and social media; parental dependence on devices; and smart environments.

Generation Alpha and the emerging Generation Beta differ from previous generations in their digital characteristics. Unlike previous generations, Generation Alpha children were introduced to technology at a very young age, sometimes almost like a pacifier. In schools, students were given Chromebooks starting in Kindergarten, and teachers used technology to communicate with their parents about school work and incidents. These children were also taught to use online computer programs and platforms. Technology has made them true digital natives, shaping how they think, communicate, and interact with the world(1). Similarly, Generation Beta children today are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence is constantly present, making them true AI natives. From an early age, they experience AI and automation woven into everyday life, from education and home environments to entertainment and, eventually, the workplaces of their future.

EARLY INTERVENTION: 5-2-1-0 PROGRAM & THE UNRAVELING OBESITY SCREENING TOOL

To help combat this growing crisis, the “Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0” program was developed by the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center(4), while the team at Unraveling Obesity created a pediatric version of their adult obesity screening tool(7). The 5-2-1-0 program promotes four daily healthy habits for all children: 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables, no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time, at least 1 hour of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks(4). The pediatric version of the Unraveling Obesity Screening Tool is grounded in the Obesity Medicine Association’s (OMA’s) four pillars of clinical obesity treatment(5) and the OMA Pediatric Obesity Algorithm®: A Clinical Tool for Treating Childhood Obesity(6). It also incorporates principles from the 5-2-1-0 program. Specifically designed to assess risk in children and adolescents, the tool is available in two online versions: one for children aged 5–12 and another for adolescents aged 13–19. The screening evaluates an individual’s risk of obesity across four key areas:

1. Nutrition

2. Physical activity

3. Behavior (including screen time)

4. Medication management

Upon completion, both the patient and healthcare provider receive immediate access to the results, supporting a collaborative discussion during the clinical visit(7).

PARENTAL INFLUENCE AND MODELING HEALTHY HABITS

Managing childhood obesity presents significant challenges. However, parents play a crucial role by modeling healthy behaviors that children can adopt over time. This includes applying the principles of the Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0 program and using the Unraveling Obesity screening tools together to support goal setting and monitor progress. When parents actively engage in these habits alongside their children, it not only reinforces their values but also builds a shared sense of accountability and encouragement within the household. In addition, by consistently demonstrating the importance of nutritious eating, physical activity, adequate sleep, and mindful screen use, parents empower their children to make informed, positive choices that support their physical health, emotional regulation, and social development.

For children in Generation Alpha and Generation Beta, who are growing up as digital and AI natives, parental influence is especially critical when it comes to screen time. Modeling healthy screen habits helps children develop a balanced lifestyle from an early age. Setting clear boundaries on screen use fosters better time management, promotes consistent daily routines, and encourages greater participation in physical activities. In addition, it provides children with the structure they need to thrive, especially in a world where digital engagement is constant and immersive. In addition, limiting screen time supports mental health by decreasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances that are often linked to excessive digital exposure. Furthermore, when screens are set aside, families gain more opportunities for face-to-face interactions and meaningful conversations. These special moments are essential for building stronger emotional bonds, improving communication skills, and nurturing a sense of connection and belonging within the family unit.

Ultimately, when parents lead by example, by embracing healthy lifestyle habits and setting boundaries around digital media, they lay the groundwork for their children to develop lifelong skills in self-care, balance, and resilience. Over time, these foundational habits not only help prevent obesity and related health concerns but also foster confidence, self-discipline, and a deeper sense of well-being that they can carry into adulthood.

CONCLUSION: SHAPING A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR DIGITAL AND AI NATIVES

Hence, Generation Alpha and Generation Beta are tech-savvy, digitally empowered, and native to both digital and AI technologies. Given the rising rates of pre-obesity and obesity among children and adolescents, and with electronic devices playing an increasingly central role in their daily lives, it is essential to establish healthy habits early, such as eating nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and practicing mindful media use. Doing so will help ensure that these children grow up using technology mindfully, responsibly, and in ways that support their overall health. By being proactive role models, parents can empower their children to make healthier choices and foster an environment, both online and offline, where healthy living is the norm rather than the exception. Through early obesity screening and consistent positive choices, they help lay a strong foundation for their children’s lifelong well-being in a tech-driven world.

Let’s all take action now to help combat obesity and change the trajectory of this growing health crisis, giving these true digital and AI natives the opportunity to live healthier lives and build a brighter future.