Health crisis among young people: Every third fights with obesity!

Health crisis among young people: Every third fights with obesity!

A new report shows alarming trends regarding the health of young people worldwide. According to the Lancet Commission for Health and the well-being of young people will live more than half of all young people in countries in which avoidable health problems threaten. This affects almost 1.1 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24.

The health hazards are diverse: HIV, early pregnancies, depression and poor nutrition are among the risks that affect this age group. The expected increase in obesity and mental disorders among adolescents until 2030 is particularly worrying. Forecasts indicate that about 24 percent of female and 23 percent of male adolescents will be overweight or obese, compared to around 21 percent of girls and 19 percent of boys in 2021.

Focust issues: obesity and depression

A health report of the Federal Ministry of Health and Care intensively devotes the problem of obesity and depression in children and adolescents. The results of the HBSC survey 2021/2022 show that 17 percent of 11- to 17-year-old girls and 25 percent of young overweight or obesity have an increase compared to ten years ago. In urban areas in particular, prevalence is higher than in rural regions.

In addition, the number of hospitalizations due to depression has risen sharply in the past two decades, especially in girls. Between 2002 and 2022, they quadruple, which underlines the importance of mental health in this age group. The WHO notes that the comorbidity of obesity and depression significantly increases the risk of further health complications.

need for action and prevention strategies

The report makes it clear that there is a great need for action in the care of those affected. So far, there have been no clear treatment paths for children and adolescents with obesity or depressive disorders. The Ministry of Health also indicates the need for research and prevention measures in order to counteract the complex causes and risk factors of the diseases. This also includes socially economic factors that often play a role in the spread of obesity and depression.

The measures required by experts include a holistic approach that also includes health -promoting initiatives such as “Kinder Essen Healthy” to improve the nutrition of children and adolescents. Prevention programs for expectant parents and improvements in school catering are further key strategies to counteract the health -hazardous tendencies.