Endocrinology and Children

Endocrinology plays a huge role in children’s health because hormones control growth, development, and how the body processes energy. Childhood is a time of rapid growth, boundless energy, and forming lifelong habits—including those that shape how we eat. Unfortunately, in the recent years, we’ve seen a troubling rise in endocrine problems in kids, even metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease — conditions that used to be almost unheard of in childhood. What’s behind it? Factors like poor diets high in sugar and processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and rising rates of childhood obesity are putting extra strain on kids’ metabolic systems.

Healthy eating in childhood is essential because it sets the stage for a lifetime of well-being. The foods kids eat influence their weight, metabolism, and hormone balance, all of which are closely tied to the risk of chronic illnesses. Poor nutrition in early years doesn’t just lead to extra pounds; it can result in insulin resistance (where their cells don’t respond well to insulin), it sets the stage for long-term health problems, including diabetes and heart disease, even before adulthood. The good news? Small, consistent changes — like encouraging healthy meals, more physical activity, and enough sleep — can help protect kids’ endocrine and metabolic health for years to come.

By understanding the science behind how our bodies process food, you can empower your family to make informed choices that fuel healthy development.  Childhood is not just a time to nourish little bodies—it’s an opportunity to build a healthy future, one bite at a time.