Adolescence has always come with its share of struggles—but today’s youth are navigating challenges no previous generation has ever faced. According to a sweeping new report on global adolescent health and wellbeing, the scale and nature of these threats are historically unique.
The report, published Tuesday in The Lancet, reveals that over one billion people aged 10 to 24—roughly half of the global adolescent population—are at risk of poor health outcomes by 2030. The threats range from surging rates of obesity and mental health issues to the disruptive impacts of digital technology and a destabilized climate.
“I was shocked by the scale of some of these findings,” says Sarah Baird, a professor of global health and economics at George Washington University and co-chair of the Lancet Commission behind the report. “It’s clear we are already in, and increasingly heading into, a crisis of adolescent health.”
The commission, composed of 44 global experts—including ten Youth Commissioners—reviewed over 550 peer-reviewed studies since beginning their work in 2021. This report follows up on The Lancet’s first comprehensive study on adolescent health published in 2016.
“What it means to be an adolescent today is drastically different from just a decade ago,” says Baird. “Amid so many competing priorities, the needs of young people have been pushed to the sidelines. We must urgently refocus our attention—neglecting adolescents in a time of rapid global change could have disastrous consequences.”
While the report notes some positive trends—like declining rates of smoking and alcohol use, and improved access to education for girls—it warns that adolescent health is “at a tipping point.” Below are some of the most pressing concerns.
A Hotter, More Unstable World
This generation will be the first to spend their entire lives under the shadow of a destabilized global climate.
By the end of this century, an estimated 1.8 billion young people will be living with average global temperatures around 5°F (2.8°C) higher than pre-industrial levels. This will drive extreme weather events, food and water insecurity, biodiversity loss, social instability, and rising rates of heat-related illness.
“It’s difficult to fully grasp what a hotter world will mean for health and wellbeing,” Baird says. “Young people have the most to lose—but they’re often excluded from decisions that shape the future.”
The First Digital Generation
Today’s adolescents are the first generation of true digital natives.
Worldwide, 79% of people aged 15 to 24 have internet access. In wealthier countries, that figure rises to 95%.
While digital tools offer tremendous opportunities, they also bring serious risks: exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, harmful content, and reduced physical activity. These dangers may be amplified as artificial intelligence continues to evolve.
“There are strong opinions about social media, but the reality is nuanced,” says Baird. “Parents, educators, and young people themselves all have a role to play. But with AI, we’ll need rapid and thoughtful policy responses to protect youth from harm.”
The Obesity Epidemic
Adolescent obesity is on the rise globally—eightfold in some regions of Africa and Asia since 1990.
By 2030, an estimated 464 million adolescents worldwide will be overweight or obese—143 million more than in 2015. This spike raises the risk of chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The surge is tied to the global availability of unhealthy, cheap food options. Sugar-sweetened drinks are a major factor: in nearly every region except high-income countries, Latin America, and the Caribbean, consumption of these beverages has risen by up to 33%. Over half of the world’s adolescents now drink them daily.
The shift toward more sedentary lifestyles—fueled by increased screen time, air pollution, and extreme weather—further compounds the issue.
To address this, the report recommends sugar taxes and expanding access to sports and fitness programs, especially in underserved communities.
A Mental Health Emergency
One of the most sobering projections in the report is that mental illness and suicide will result in the loss of 42 million years of healthy life by 2030—two million more than in 2015. Mental health is already the single largest contributor to disease burden among adolescents globally.
This crisis is fueled by long-standing stressors such as climate anxiety and digital overload, compounded by recent disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Imagine going through critical developmental years under lockdown, losing access to school, friends, and stability,” says Baird. “Layer that with economic crises and an uncertain future—it’s overwhelming.”
The report calls for expanded mental health services tailored to youth and for empowering communities to tackle the root causes of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Can the Tide Be Turned?
Aoife Doyle, an adolescent health expert at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, agrees that immediate action is needed.
“This report clearly shows that not enough is being invested in adolescent health, and that what’s being spent doesn’t align with the true burden of disease,” Doyle wrote in an email. “Governments and donors must follow through on their commitments to universal health coverage with services that meet adolescents’ real needs.”
Importantly, the report emphasizes how these issues are interconnected. Obesity and mental health, for instance, are deeply influenced by climate stress and digital technology.
Still, Baird remains hopeful. “Young people are resilient and full of hope,” she says. “Many still believe in a better future—and they’re eager to help build it.”
