Underweight and nutrition-related behaviours
Underweight. In several countries underweight remains an important health risk for a significant portion of younger adolescents. It contributes to mortality and is associated with iron-deficiency anaemia. In some countries both underweight and obesity are at concerning levels at the same time.
Prevalence. Among the 47 countries that measure body mass among younger adolescents in the GSHS, at least 10% of boys in 13 countries and of girls in 10 countries are underweight. Most of the countries with a high prevalence of underweight are in the Africa or South-East Asian regions. There are no low or middle income countries in the Americas with more than 10% of younger adolescents underweight.
Fruit and vegetable consumption. More fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents would improve micronutrient levels and reduce risks for obesity, diabetes and some forms of cancer.25 In nearly all countries that participate in the GSHS, the majority of younger adolescents do not eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Vanuatu was the lone exception.
The HBSC surveys in Europe and North America ask adolescents only whether they ate fruits or vegetables at least once every day in the past month. Rates range from 10% to 60%. In most countries girls are slightly more likely than boys to eat fruits and vegetables.
Among older adolescents, in all 21 countries with STEPS data, the great majority of adolescents (80–90%) do not eat the recommended five servings of fruit and/or vegetables daily.
Trends. Despite the low proportions meeting the guidelines, there are some encouraging trends. In half of countries in Europe and North America, the percentage eating fruit daily has increased significantly since 2001. Half of the countries report increases in daily vegetable consumption, too, although five countries show declines, mostly among boys.
Food and drink consumption (HBSC)Soft drinks, especially sugared beverages, are popular with adolescents but contribute to overweight and obesity as well as risk for type II diabetes.26 27 Data are available for Europe and North America in the HBSC and 11 countries in the GSHS. In high income countries about one of every four adolescents consumes soft drinks daily, although the prevalence ranges widely, from 49% of 15-year-old boys in Slovenia to 2% of 13-year-old girls in Finland. Among the GSHS countries, daily consumption of soft drinks is more common, ranging from a low of 41% in Mauritius to as high as 75% among students in Trinidad and Tobago. In higher income countries trends show improvements. At least two-thirds of the countries report declines since 2001 in the percentage of adolescents who drink one or more soft drinks per day. However, consumption may be on the rise in low and middle income countries.28
Food and drink consumption (GSHS)In the WHO global consultation, adolescents considered the top health-compromising behaviours among their peers to be:
- unhealthy diets
- physical inactivity
- alcohol and other substance use
- poor sleep habits.
Sometimes it's just hard to pass up on something that tastes so good even if it is bad for your body. I have to remind myself that part of the reason it does taste so good is because of the added artificial flavouring or excess sugar content.
female, 18-19, United States of America
When I became sexually active I never wore a condom, and I didn’t know how to use one.
male, 18-19. Mexico
It’s basically a thing you do, in part because of the social aspect of these activities, in part, and this especially counts for the cigarettes, as a stress reliever.
male, 18-19, Denmark
I love drinking and partying, I do it quite often. I also smoke quite often.
male, 18-19, France
I haven’t learned about what I should and shouldn’t eat.
female, 18-19, Mexico
That cigarettes, alcohol and drugs not be in style anymore.
female, 15-17, France
Adolescents on bad habits: Sometimes laziness and inactivity, I'm not doing sports, and excessive eating of sweets and harmful foods and soft drinks and fruit after midnight.
female, 15-17, Saudi Arabia
Each individual has his or her own life philosophy. I have my own life philosophy: Enjoy the present moment and take each day at a time. Enjoy the moments of youth that are supposed to be the greatest of our existence. It is the age of excess.
male, 18-19, France
I think I am physically and mentally healthy, but I feel emotional pain as a result of many different things that have happened over time.
female, 18-19, Mexico
I love sweets, and I haven’t found a balance between normal and excessive consumption.
female, 18-19. Venezuela
I just wanted to test it out, then it became a habit.
female, 15-17, France
Adolescents on definition of health: To have the ability to do things well, without any sort of discomfort or pain. To ensure a comfortable future, without any complications like diabetes or any sort of cardiac disease, etc., caused by what was done in the past.
female, 18-19, Mexico
Physically I am in good health, but mentally only partially because several obstacles find their way along my path, affecting my mental health, and I have to overcome them.
female, 15-17, Canada
I feel stress over sexual issues - no one wants to give me information, and I also get anxious because I feel that I am doing something wrong.
male, 15-17, Mexico
Adolescents on what should be done to improve their health: Raising awareness about sexual identities and orientation.
trans, 12-14, Argentina
Adolescents on definition of health: To find myself comfortable with body, and to feel nothing that could make me feel bad about or within myself.
female, 18-19, Spain
Adolescents on bad habits: it’s a quicker and easier way to satisfy my hunger. I like to eat.
female, 12-14, Peru
Adolescent on bad habits: To party and escape your daily troubles!
male, 15-17, France
Give us real information about our rights and about sexual health. Also information about nutrition and healthy behaviours.
male, 15-17, Mexico
To be in good health not only means taking care of your body (through participating in sports, eating well, etc.) or just the absence of illness; it also equally involves feeling good in your own skin, being happy with your choices in life and doing what you love.
female, 15-17 Canada
