Adolescent health at critical point: half of them will be at risk of serious health problems in 2030, warns ‘The Lancet’

The saying goes that “children are the future” and as such ensuring their health and wellbeing will safeguard the future of humanity. However, The Lancet is sounding the alarm in the medical journal’s Second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing that targeted action needs to be taken.

The Lancet has found that over half of the world’s youth between the ages of 10 and 24, over 1 billion people, will live in countries where known health issues will increase by 2030. Additionally, there will be a higher risk of mental health issues due to harsher climate conditions and a more digital world, as well as obesity.

“The health and wellbeing of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point”

“The health and wellbeing of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point, with mixed progress observed over the past three decades,” said Sarah Baird, co-chair of the Commission from George Washington University in the United States.

On a positive note, youths worldwide are smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol less as well as receiving secondary and tertiary education more. However, “excess weight and obesity have risen by up to eight-fold in some countries in Africa and Asia over the past three decades.”

Currently, around 82% of the world’s adolescents currently live in those two parts of the world and that proportion is projected to increase to 85% by 2100.

She also said that in addition to obesity, “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.”

Investments in adolescent health and wellbeing will “reap a triple dividend”

The report calls for more targeted investment in health and wellbeing through initiatives for the current generation of 10–24-year-olds. This includes through education via promoting health and wellbeing as well as ensuring universal access to healthcare for adolescents.

These would “reap a triple dividend, with benefits for young people today, the adults they will become, and the next generation of children they will parent,” states The Lancet report.

“Investing in the health and wellbeing of young people is crucial for safeguarding our collective future,” said Baird.

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