Latest news with #LancetCommissiononAdolescentHealthandWellbeing
The Star
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Tipping point: More teens are overweight or obese, have mental health issues
Teens around the world are turning away from alcohol and cigarettes, but are becoming more and more obese and suffering from worsening mental health problems, a new global report says. Photo: TOBIAS HASE/dpa Almost half a billion teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese by 2030, experts predicted as they warned that adolescent health is at a 'tipping point'. In a major new review of the health and well-being of adolescents, experts said some main drivers of ill-health among teenagers have switched from cigarettes and alcohol to weight gain and mental health problems. They warned that mental health among teenagers has seen a 'significant decline' over the past three decades, which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis. And they projected that 464 million teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese by 2030 – 143 million more than in 2015. But the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing pointed out: 'In terms of health risks, substance use (specifically tobacco and alcohol) has declined in every region.' The experts on the commission said action is needed to tackle threats to adolescents' health and well-being. They warned that progress in teenage health has 'lagged well behind' the improvements that have been made in the health and development of young children – with these benefits being at risk of being 'undermined' with increased ill-health in teenagers. They added that current funding is 'not proportionate with the magnitude of the challenge'. They wrote: 'Adolescence can no longer be ignored ... the time to act is now.' Experts predict that by 2030, half a billion teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese. Photo: Freepik Impact of digital shift The authors of the report also highlighted how the shift towards a 'more digital world' could have a 'profound impact on young people's future health and well-being'. But they warned against 'overly restricting' access, saying there needs to be be a balance, highlighting that the online world offers teenagers new opportunities for social interaction, education, employment and health promotion. Meanwhile, they pointed out that this generation of teenagers is the first to grow up among harsher climate conditions. 'Today's adolescents are the first cohort of humans who will live their entire life experiencing the growing reverberations of climate change,' they wrote. Commission co-chairwoman Professor Sarah Baird, from George Washington University in the United States, said: 'The health and well-being of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point, with mixed progress observed over the past three decades. 'Whilst tobacco and alcohol use has declined and participation in secondary and tertiary education has increased, overweight and obesity have risen by up to eight-fold in some countries in Africa and Asia over the past three decades, and there is a growing burden of poor adolescent mental health globally. 'Additionally, the challenges faced by the world's adolescents are at risk of being exacerbated by emerging global issues including climate change, world conflicts and a rapid transition to a more digital world. 'Investing in the health and wellbeing of young people is crucial for safeguarding our collective future.' The authors of the commission's report point out that 'investment in adolescent health will become increasingly important throughout the 21st century', adding: 'As populations age and fertility rates fall in even the poorest countries, ensuring the health and well-being of adolescents will be crucial to all countries' health and prosperity.' – dpa
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Close to 500 million young adults will be obese by 2030: Lancet study
In a world where recreational activities mostly include increased screen time, becomes the obvious consequence. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide, impacting both individuals and healthcare systems. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As per the WHO, obesity is widely considered a global epidemic and it is not limited to high-income countries; it's a growing problem in low- and middle-income nations as well. While obesity is associated with a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, the economic burden of obesity is substantial, with projected global costs reaching trillions of dollars annually. Now, as per a recent analysis published by the , nearly 500 million adolescents globally are estimated to be obese and face several health and mental disorders by 2030. Read on to know more. What does the study say? An international report highlights alarming trends among adolescents, projecting that nearly half a billion young people worldwide will experience obesity or overweight by 2030, while 1 billion are at risk of preventable health issues. Despite a significant decline in adolescent mortality rates over the past two decades, the analysis suggests that in five years, at least half of the global population aged 10 to 24 will reside in countries where preventable health problems—such as HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, depression, and inadequate nutrition—pose serious threats to their health and well-being. What is obesity? Obesity is a medical condition defined by excessive fat accumulation in the body, posing a health risk. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's often associated with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Obesity is considered a chronic disease that can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The 'scary' statistics: According to forecasts from the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, 464 million adolescents will be living with obesity or overweight, an increase of 143 million since 2015. This rising trend is particularly prevalent in high-income nations, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as North Africa and the Middle East, where over one-third of individuals in this age group are affected. The findings: The report also indicates a substantial decline in the mental health of young people, compounded by emerging threats related to climate change. The authors highlighted that today's adolescents are the first generation to experience the full impacts of global warming throughout their lives, which could lead to significant health risks by 2100, including heat-related illnesses and food and water insecurity affecting 1.9 billion adolescents. 'Today's adolescents are the first cohort of humans who will live their entire life experiencing the growing reverberations of climate change,' the authors noted. While some progress is noted in areas such as substance misuse—where smoking and alcohol consumption among 10 to 24-year-olds have decreased across all regions—and a reduction in the number of young individuals not engaged in education, work, or training, the report asserts that advancements have been hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic and inadequate funding. The report concluded, 'Without political will, policy initiatives and financial investment … large numbers of adolescents will grow up with poor health.' Experts' takes: Professor Sarah Baird from George Washington University, co-chair of the Lancet commission, emphasized the urgency of investing in the health and well-being of adolescents to secure a better future. The report warns that without strong political will, effective policy measures, and financial support, many adolescents may grow up facing poor health conditions. How to fight obesity? To effectively tackle obesity, a multifaceted approach focusing on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is essential. This includes adopting a healthy and clean eating plan with a focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while limiting sugary beverages and processed foods. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, is also crucial for burning calories and improving overall health. Additionally, addressing underlying behavioral and emotional factors can play a significant role in achieving long-term weight management. Study looks at impact of obesity on the heart of young obese children
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Number of obese and overweight teenagers will skyrocket in the next five years, experts warn
A looming health crisis is threatening teenagers, with nearly half a billion projected to be overweight or obese by 2030, according to a new report. Experts from the the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing warn that adolescent health worldwide is at a "tipping point," with shifting health concerns marking a significant change from previous decades. While traditional threats like tobacco and alcohol use have seen a decline across the board, the report highlights a worrying rise in weight gain and mental health issues among adolescents. The commission projects a staggering 464 million teenagers worldwide will be overweight or obese by 2030, a drastic increase of 143 million compared to 2015 figures. The report also reveals a "significant decline" in teenage mental health over the past 30 years, further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This shift in dominant health concerns necessitates urgent action, the commission stresses, calling for a concerted effort to address the evolving challenges facing young people today. The commission's findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to adolescent health, moving beyond traditional concerns to address the growing burden of obesity and mental health problems. They warned that progress in teenage health has 'lagged well behind' the improvements that have been made in the health and development of young children – with these benefits being at risk of being 'undermined' with increased ill-health in teenagers. They added that current funding is 'not proportionate with the magnitude of the challenge'. They wrote: 'Adolescence can no longer be ignored… the time to act is now.' The authors of the report also highlighted how the shift towards a 'more digital world' could have a 'profound impact on young people's future health and wellbeing'. But they warned against 'overly restricting' access, saying there needs to be be a balance, highlighting that the online world offers teenagers new opportunities for social interaction, education, employment and health promotion. Meanwhile, they pointed out that this generation of teenagers is the first to grow up among harsher climate conditions. 'Today's adolescents are the first cohort of humans who will live their entire life experiencing the growing reverberations of climate change,' they wrote. Commission co-chairwoman Professor Sarah Baird, from George Washington University in the US, said: 'The health and wellbeing of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point, with mixed progress observed over the past three decades. 'Whilst tobacco and alcohol use has declined and participation in secondary and tertiary education has increased, overweight and obesity have risen by up to eight-fold in some countries in Africa and Asia over the past three decades, and there is a growing burden of poor adolescent mental health globally. 'Additionally, the challenges faced by the world's adolescents are at risk of being exacerbated by emerging global issues including climate change, world conflicts and a rapid transition to a more digital world. 'Investing in the health and wellbeing of young people is crucial for safeguarding our collective future.' The authors of the commission's report point out that 'investment in adolescent health will become increasingly important throughout the 21st century', adding: 'As populations age and fertility rates fall in even the poorest countries, ensuring the health and wellbeing of adolescents will be crucial to all countries' health and prosperity.'
Rhyl Journal
21-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Number of obese and overweight teenagers predicted to rocket over five years
In a major new review of the health and wellbeing of adolescents, experts said some main drivers of ill-health among teenagers have switched from cigarettes and alcohol to weight gain and mental health problems. They warned that mental health among teenagers has seen a 'significant decline' over the past three decades, which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis. And they projected that 464 million teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese by 2030 – 143 million more than in 2015. But the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing pointed out: 'In terms of health risks, substance use (specifically tobacco and alcohol) has declined in every region.' The experts on the commission said action is needed to tackle threats to adolescents' health and wellbeing. They warned that progress in teenage health has 'lagged well behind' the improvements that have been made in the health and development of young children – with these benefits being at risk of being 'undermined' with increased ill-health in teenagers. They added that current funding is 'not proportionate with the magnitude of the challenge'. They wrote: 'Adolescence can no longer be ignored… the time to act is now.' The authors of the report also highlighted how the shift towards a 'more digital world' could have a 'profound impact on young people's future health and wellbeing'. But they warned against 'overly restricting' access, saying there needs to be be a balance, highlighting that the online world offers teenagers new opportunities for social interaction, education, employment and health promotion. Meanwhile, they pointed out that this generation of teenagers is the first to grow up among harsher climate conditions. 'Today's adolescents are the first cohort of humans who will live their entire life experiencing the growing reverberations of climate change,' they wrote. Commission co-chairwoman Professor Sarah Baird, from George Washington University in the US, said: 'The health and wellbeing of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point, with mixed progress observed over the past three decades. 'Whilst tobacco and alcohol use has declined and participation in secondary and tertiary education has increased, overweight and obesity have risen by up to eight-fold in some countries in Africa and Asia over the past three decades, and there is a growing burden of poor adolescent mental health globally. 'Additionally, the challenges faced by the world's adolescents are at risk of being exacerbated by emerging global issues including climate change, world conflicts and a rapid transition to a more digital world. 'Investing in the health and wellbeing of young people is crucial for safeguarding our collective future.' The authors of the commission's report point out that 'investment in adolescent health will become increasingly important throughout the 21st century', adding: 'As populations age and fertility rates fall in even the poorest countries, ensuring the health and wellbeing of adolescents will be crucial to all countries' health and prosperity.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Number of obese and overweight teenagers predicted to rocket over five years
Almost half a billion teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese by 2030, experts predicted as they warned that adolescent health is at a 'tipping point'. In a major new review of the health and wellbeing of adolescents, experts said some main drivers of ill-health among teenagers have switched from cigarettes and alcohol to weight gain and mental health problems. They warned that mental health among teenagers has seen a 'significant decline' over the past three decades, which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis. And they projected that 464 million teenagers around the world will be overweight or obese by 2030 – 143 million more than in 2015. But the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing pointed out: 'In terms of health risks, substance use (specifically tobacco and alcohol) has declined in every region.' The experts on the commission said action is needed to tackle threats to adolescents' health and wellbeing. They warned that progress in teenage health has 'lagged well behind' the improvements that have been made in the health and development of young children – with these benefits being at risk of being 'undermined' with increased ill-health in teenagers. They added that current funding is 'not proportionate with the magnitude of the challenge'. They wrote: 'Adolescence can no longer be ignored… the time to act is now.' The authors of the report also highlighted how the shift towards a 'more digital world' could have a 'profound impact on young people's future health and wellbeing'. But they warned against 'overly restricting' access, saying there needs to be be a balance, highlighting that the online world offers teenagers new opportunities for social interaction, education, employment and health promotion. Meanwhile, they pointed out that this generation of teenagers is the first to grow up among harsher climate conditions. 'Today's adolescents are the first cohort of humans who will live their entire life experiencing the growing reverberations of climate change,' they wrote. Commission co-chairwoman Professor Sarah Baird, from George Washington University in the US, said: 'The health and wellbeing of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point, with mixed progress observed over the past three decades. 'Whilst tobacco and alcohol use has declined and participation in secondary and tertiary education has increased, overweight and obesity have risen by up to eight-fold in some countries in Africa and Asia over the past three decades, and there is a growing burden of poor adolescent mental health globally. 'Additionally, the challenges faced by the world's adolescents are at risk of being exacerbated by emerging global issues including climate change, world conflicts and a rapid transition to a more digital world. 'Investing in the health and wellbeing of young people is crucial for safeguarding our collective future.' The authors of the commission's report point out that 'investment in adolescent health will become increasingly important throughout the 21st century', adding: 'As populations age and fertility rates fall in even the poorest countries, ensuring the health and wellbeing of adolescents will be crucial to all countries' health and prosperity.'
