The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe has sounded the alarm on a growing adolescent health crisis, as a new report exposes stark socioeconomic disparities in diet, exercise, and weight among young people across the region. The findings, based on data from 44 countries participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, paint a troubling picture of the disproportionate impact of unhealthy lifestyles on adolescents from less affluent families.
The report reveals a decline in healthy eating habits and a rise in unhealthy choices among adolescents. Fewer than two in five (38%) eat fruit or vegetables daily, with consumption decreasing with age. More than half of 15-year-olds report eating neither fruit nor vegetables every day. Conversely, the consumption of sweets and sugary drinks remains high, with one in four adolescents (25%) consuming sweets or chocolate daily. Adolescents from lower-income families are more likely to consume sugary drinks (18% vs. 15%) and less likely to eat fruits (32% vs. 46%) and vegetables (32% vs. 54%) daily.
Overweight and obesity rates have also risen since the last survey in 2018, affecting over 1 in 5 adolescents. The prevalence is higher among boys (27%) than girls (17%) and is more pronounced in adolescents from less affluent families (27% compared with 18% of their wealthier peers). This disparity highlights the urgent need to address the underlying socioeconomic factors contributing to these trends.
Physical inactivity is another cause for concern, with only 25% of boys and 15% of girls achieving the WHO-recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Participation declines with age, particularly among girls, and socioeconomic inequalities are evident, with adolescents from more affluent families reporting higher levels of both MVPA (16% vs. 26%) and vigorous physical activity (51% vs. 69%).
The long-term health consequences of these disparities can be severe, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. These conditions not only affect individual well-being but also place a significant burden on healthcare systems and economies. Furthermore, the socioeconomic disparities in adolescent health behaviours contribute to a vicious cycle of disadvantage, perpetuating social inequalities and limiting opportunities for upward social mobility.
To address this crisis, the WHO Regional Office for Europe calls for comprehensive strategies that focus on regulating food marketing, promoting healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and implementing targeted interventions to support healthier behaviours among adolescents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr Kremlin Wickramasinghe, WHO/Europe's Regional Adviser for Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, emphasizes the effectiveness of policies such as mandatory front-of-pack labels, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children, and provision of free healthy school meals to all children.
Dr Martin Weber, Team Lead for Quality of Care and Programme Manager of Child and Adolescent Health at WHO/Europe, stresses the importance of a multi-faceted approach, combining individual, family, community, and policy-level interventions to create environments that support healthy choices and empower young people to take control of their health.
The HBSC study serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and public health professionals seeking to understand and address the complex factors influencing adolescent health. By investing in adolescents' health and addressing the underlying factors contributing to unhealthy behaviours, countries can improve the well-being of young people, reduce health disparities, and build a healthier future for all.
