Why are our youth dying so much earlier than our parents and grandparents from preventable diseases?

Americans are dying younger. What puts the United States at such a health disadvantage? 

This trend has been seen for more than a decade now, when the  “Shorter Lives, Poorer Health '' report came out showing that youth life expectancy among the 15 to 24 age group is lowest in the US when compared to other rich countries like Germany, Japan, and France. This also comes with higher risk for becoming sick and injured. 

Aside from the youth, young adults in the US are also seeing higher rates of dying in midlife. All these represent a crisis in the US. 

What factors influence the crisis? 

There is a need for policymakers to make changes in the country’s social, economic and health policies in order to reduce young people's risk of dying from deaths that are considered preventable. 

• High preterm births. 
• Lack of equality in economic opportunities leading to higher infant death rates. 
• Living in low-income households and parents having low education. 
• Mental health illnesses resulting to higher suicide rates. 
• High risk behaviors in youth especially among males. 
• Lifestyle-related diseases and conditions as influenced by being overweight, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity. 

What are lifestyle-related diseases and conditions? 

The youth and young adults are still developing their bodies and immune systems, thus both environmental factors and lifestyle-related choices are crucial factors in their health. 

• In children 12 to 19 years old, obesity affects 1 in 5 children, almost 1 in 5 in 6 to 11-year olds, and about 1 in 10 in 2 to 5-year olds. Compared to 3 decades ago, obesity in young people has tripled. 

• Poor nutrition, inactivity and being overweight increases the risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint issues, asthma, and poor health outcomes for young people as they grow older. 

• Eating behaviors influence health outcomes of young people. It has been found that young people are not eating for their health. Consumption of food rich in saturated fat, decreased intake of fruits and vegetables, not eating food rich in fiber and calcium, and daily intake of soda is widespread among young people. 

• Other factors include excessive drinking and inappropriate amounts of sleep.  

What are effective small steps we can take to decrease the burden of lifestyle-related diseases in young people? 

Optimize lifestyle and integrate them in daily life. 

• Decrease screen time and dedicate more time in doing outdoor activities and encourage physical activities. 

• Assess the current diet, and learn together about healthy food groups. Learn how to prepare these food groups into tasty meals and snacks. In this way, young people are encouraged to consume more fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, and healthy protein sources. 

• Replace food rich in saturated fat and processed carbohydrates like fried food and sugary drinks with healthier options. 

• Develop healthy nightly routines that encourage increased amounts of sleep. 

Being young is not an assurance of good health, and current lifestyle practices in both adults and the youth are more important factors that determine the quality of life that we live, regardless of age. 

These conditions are preventable, and together we can reduce our risk of developing them through conscious and intentional small steps. 

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