New study finds alarming trends in teen health, from exercise to diet and screen time

When a cheeseburger costs less than a box of strawberries, it is no surprise that teenagers are reaching more for fast food than fresh fruit. But a new study led by the University of South Australia warns that it is not just diet causing concern. Teens are increasingly caught in a cycle of unhealthy lifestyle habits that could have long-term effects on their health. The study, which analysed data from more than 293,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 across 73 countries and five World Health Organization regions, found alarming trends in teenage behaviour: 85 per cent did not get enough exercise 80 per cent did not eat enough fruits and vegetables 50 per cent regularly ate fast food 39 per cent consumed too many sugary drinks 32 per cent spent excessive time on screens Taken together, more than 92.5 per cent of teenagers had two or more unhealthy behaviours, placing them at greater risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and poor mental health in adulthood. In fact, only a tiny fraction – less than 1 per cent – reported no unhealthy behaviours at all. The clustering effect Researchers described this as a “clustering of unhealthy habits”, where teens are not just struggling with one risk factor, but often two, three or more. According to the study: 7 per cent of teens reported one unhealthy behaviour 30 per cent had two 36.5 per cent had three 21.5 per cent had four 4.5 per cent had all five Dr Ming Li, lead researcher from the University of South Australia, notes that teenage years are a critical window for growth and development – physically, mentally and emotionally. The habits formed during this stage often set the tone for adult health outcomes. “With junk food so readily available and physical activity often replaced by screen time, more teens are picking up multiple unhealthy habits that could lead to serious health issues down the track,” Li said. Wealthier nations, higher risks The research found that teenagers in higher-income countries such as Australia, the United States and Singapore reported more unhealthy behaviours compared with those in lower-income regions. In wealthier nations, 13 per cent of teens admitted to having all five unhealthy habits. The reasons, researchers suggest, are tied to modern urban living. This includes junk food being cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce, cities limiting access to safe, green recreational spaces, sedentary school environments that discourage movement, and screens increasingly dominating daily life. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health has already highlighted the challenge of rising obesity among youth, with about one in three teenagers there considered overweight or at risk. Combined with the country’s eating-out culture and high screen usage, the local picture mirrors the global concern. Helping teens stay healthy Despite the troubling statistics, the study also identified protective factors that reduce risks. It found teens from supportive families were 16 per cent less likely to report four or more unhealthy habits. Having supportive peer groups lowered the risk by 4 per cent. Food-secure households, in which all members had consistent and reliable access to enough nutritious food that met their dietary needs for an active, healthy life, reduced the risk by 9 per cent. These findings point to the important role of home environments and communities in shaping teen behaviour. What parents can do Parents play a powerful role in reversing these trends. Practical steps include: Encouraging outdoor play and regular physical activity Modelling healthy eating habits at home Limiting sugary drinks and fast food consumption Setting boundaries for screen time Providing a supportive and consistent environment Li emphasised that while individual responsibility is important, systemic solutions are also needed. These include school-based physical activity programmes, affordable healthy food options and urban planning that prioritises green spaces. “Ultimately, good health needs to be an easier, more accessible choice – not one that requires privilege, planning and willpower,” she said. The bottom line The teenage years are a pivotal period that shapes long-term health. With fast food, excessive screens and a lack of greens becoming the norm, urgent action is needed from families, schools and policymakers. Small changes at home, combined with supportive environments, can help teens break free from unhealthy cycles and build habits that last a lifetime. Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.

New study finds alarming trends in teen health, from exercise to diet and screen time

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Teens are increasingly caught up in habits that place them at risk of obesity, diabetes, poor mental health and more as adults, study says

Teens are increasingly caught up in habits that place them at risk of obesity, diabetes, poor mental health and more as adults, study says