Experts gave the date! Half a million young people are on the brink of this disaster

Experts have issued serious warnings that nearly half a billion young people worldwide will be overweight or obese by 2030. According to the news on SkyNews; The report prepared by the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing emphasized that the health status of adolescents is at a critical threshold. The report drew attention to the fact that the main causes of health problems among young people are shifting from smoking and alcohol use to weight gain and mental health problems.

Course of Health Problems in Young People

By 2030, the number of young people who will be overweight or obese is expected to reach 464 million. This represents a dramatic increase of 143 million compared to 2015. However, the report noted that there have been decreases in smoking and alcohol use, which is a positive development. However, increasing obesity rates indicate that serious threats to young people’s health continue.

Controversy Over Weight Loss Treatments

Developed to combat obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or weight loss injections, have gained popularity in recent years. This treatment method supports weight loss by reducing food cravings. However, it has side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vision problems. The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) does not yet recommend the use of these injections in adolescents because there is insufficient evidence on their effects. Some studies suggest that these injections reduce family conflicts in obese children during mealtimes.

Progress in Adolescent Health Lags Beyond Expectations

The Lancet report says progress in young people’s health and development is falling far short of expectations. As the shift to the online world accelerates, there is also growing debate about restricting young people’s digital access. For example, Australia has introduced tough legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media. The commission warns that such excessive restrictions could harm young people’s well-being.

The Impact of Climate Change on Youth

The report also states that today’s youth are the first generation to grow up under harsher climate conditions. It states that this generation will spend their entire lives facing the negative impacts of climate change. Global challenges such as climate change, global conflicts and the rapid advancement of digitalization are further exacerbating the health and well-being challenges facing young people.

Call from Experts: Investment in the Health of Young People is a Must

Co-chair of the Commission, Professor Sarah Baird from George Washington University, said progress in adolescent health over the past three decades has been mixed. She said the decline in tobacco and alcohol use was positive, but the rise in obesity and mental health problems posed serious risks. Investments in the health and well-being of young people were critical to securing the future of societies, Baird said.

The Situation of Children in the UK is Alarming

A report published last year by the Food Foundation found that children in the UK are shorter, heavier and in poorer health due to poverty and food insecurity. This situation shows that urgent measures need to be taken in child health and nutrition.

The health problems that young people face threaten the future both individually and socially. Experts continue to emphasize that comprehensive and sustainable policies must be developed to solve these problems.

Source: News Center