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Gen Z Health Crisis: Experts Warn of 'Left-Behind Generation'
8 Dec
Summary
- Obesity rates in 16-24 year olds rose from 31% in 2002 to 37% in 2022.
- Mental health issues have more than doubled among 17-19 year olds since 2017.
- A quarter of 16-24 year olds live in relative poverty, impacting health.
Generation Z is at risk of becoming a 'left-behind generation' regarding their health, according to expert analysis. While some health behaviors have improved, concerning trends like rising obesity rates among 16 to 24-year-olds, which increased from 31% in 2002 to 37% in 2022, are evident. This demographic faces significant challenges in accessing timely support for mental health conditions and disabilities, as services have not kept pace with escalating demand.
The mental health landscape for young people has significantly deteriorated, with the proportion of 17 to 19-year-olds experiencing probable mental health disorders more than doubling from 10% in 2017 to 23% in 2023. Similarly, disability rates among 15 to 24-year-olds more than doubled between 2011 and 2021. Compounding these issues, this age group also exhibits the highest rates of adults living in relative poverty, a critical factor linked to poorer health outcomes.
Experts urge a re-evaluation of the relationship between younger generations and the National Health Service, noting that individuals aged 16 to 35 report generally poorer experiences with healthcare services. To effectively improve the health of younger generations, policy must either revitalize engagement with NHS services or increasingly look beyond the traditional healthcare system to address broader determinants of health like housing and air pollution.
