The Inequality Epidemic: Low-Income Teens Face Higher Risks of Obesity, Inactivity, and Poor Diet

New WHO/Europe report finds alarming disparities in diet, exercise, and weight among adolescents from different socioeconomic backgrounds

A new report released by the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals alarming disparities in the health of young people across the region, with those from less affluent families disproportionately affected. The report, based on data from 44 countries participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, highlights unhealthy eating habits, rising rates of overweight and obesity, and low levels of physical activity among young people, all of which are significant risk factors for a range of non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.

Unhealthy eating habits on the rise

The report paints a concerning picture of adolescents' dietary habits, with a particular focus on the decline in healthy eating behaviours and the rise of unhealthy choices. Fewer than two in five adolescents (38%) eat fruit or vegetables daily, with these figures declining with age (from 45% of 11-year-olds to 33% of 15-year-olds for fruit, and from 40% to 36% for vegetables). Worryingly, more than half of adolescents report eating neither fruit nor vegetables every day (56% of boys and 51% of girls aged 15).

Conversely, the consumption of sweets and sugary drinks remains high, with one in four adolescents (25%) reporting daily consumption of sweets or chocolate. This rate is higher among girls (28%) than boys (23%) and has seen an increase since 2018, particularly among girls (from 23% to 27% for 11-year-old girls and from 26% to 28% for 15-year-old girls). While daily soft drink consumption has seen a minor overall decline since the...