In recent years, childhood and adolescent obesity has become an increasingly serious global public health challenge. From 1990 to 2022, the global obesity rate among children and adolescents has quadrupled. As of 2021, approximately 493 million children and adolescents worldwide are overweight or obese. Over the next 25 years, one-third of the global youth population is projected to fall into this category.

Obesity is far from being a symbol of “cuteness” or “blessing”—it is a chronic disease. It can lead to a series of health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abnormal bone development, and early puberty. It may even affect final adult height. Obese children often struggle with social acceptance, making them more vulnerable to teasing, isolation, and exclusion by peers. These experiences can negatively affect their mental well-being, leading to feelings of inadequacy, emotional distress, and difficulties in building healthy social relationships.

At the same time, another issue closely linked to obesity is quietly rising among children: diabetes. Once considered a disease of the elderly, diabetes is now increasingly affecting younger populations. In 2024, an estimated 215,000 children and adolescents (aged 0–19) worldwide were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and over 1.6 million are currently living with the condition.

Against this backdrop, some parents are turning to technology in hopes of improving their children’s health. From wearable devices like smartwatches to more advanced "biohacking" tools like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), some are even opting for implantable versions of these devices.

CGMs work by inserting a tiny flexible sensor under the skin to detect glucose levels in interstitial fluid. These readings are then converted into blood glucose levels through an algorithm and transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone app every three minutes. The app provides a dynamic curve showing real-time blood sugar trends. Originally designed for people with diabetes, CGMs are now being used more broadly for preventive purposes—to monitor fluctuations and predict potential risks before disease onset.

From a technological standpoint, such devices can indeed be helpful. They provide parents with real-time data, making it easier to detect correlations between diet and blood sugar and to take early action against metabolic abnormalities. For working parents who can't monitor their children 24/7, this constant stream of data can prevent over-restriction of diet or unnecessary medication.

But these solutions come with growing concerns.

The first issue is ethics and data privacy. Is it appropriate to use medical devices for non-medical purposes? Can children’s data truly be kept secure? These devices connect to smartphones and upload data to the cloud. Once uploaded, there’s a risk the information could be used for algorithm-based marketing or even leaked. Some netizens worry: “Will kids need AI approval just to eat a piece of candy in the future?” Others fear data misuse might lead to discrimination at school—“That fat kid with the glucose monitor.”

A more delicate concern is the impact on children’s mental health. Long-term use of such devices might make a child feel “different” or flawed. At school, they could be mistaken for being ill and become excluded or labeled. Wearing a monitor might single them out, trigger shame, and affect their self-image and self-worth.

Medical professionals also caution that children’s skin is delicate. Frequent sensor use could lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Ironically, in some cases, data-obsessed parents have forced their children to check their blood sugar dozens of times a day, resulting in extreme pressure, stress, and even binge eating. While the technology was meant to promote health, it can backfire when used as a tool for control.

Ultimately, childhood obesity cannot be solved by technology alone. It’s a complex issue involving family environment, eating habits, physical activity, societal influences, and psychological wellbeing. Before attaching a sensor to a child’s arm, perhaps parents should first ask themselves: Is this really for the child’s health—or just to ease our own anxiety?

Biohacking might well become a major trend in future healthcare, but when it comes to children, this technology should be used with caution. There must always be a clear line between technological advancement and human care.