Overview

• The 2025 Lancet Commission report highlights obesity and mental health disorders as the leading health threats to adolescents, surpassing tobacco and alcohol use.
• Projections estimate 464 million adolescents will be overweight or obese by 2030, marking a 143 million increase since 2015.
• Adolescent mental health has significantly declined over the past 30 years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a projected rise in related health burdens.
• Environmental and digital challenges, including climate change and increased screen time, are intensifying risks to adolescent health and wellbeing.
• Despite comprising 24% of the global population, adolescents receive only 2.4% of health funding, prompting urgent calls for increased investment and policy reform.