From Asthma to Anxiety: One in Two Teens Face Health Challenges Tied to Diet and Daily Habits

From Asthma to Anxiety: One in Two Teens Face Health Challenges Tied to Diet and Daily Habits

Published in Science Direct’s Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the study offers one of the most comprehensive snapshots of adolescent health and lifestyle behaviours in Australia to date.

While not nationally representative, it draws on data from more than 5,000 adolescents with an average age of 14.7 years. The results found that 45.6% reported having at least one condition—including asthma, hay fever, eczema, ADHD, autism, diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—with many experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.

Asthma and hay fever were among the most common, affecting 15.1% and 23.2% of respondents respectively. Around 10% reported ADHD, while 6.7% said they experienced IBS. Notably, one in eight teens with asthma had been hospitalised in the previous 12 months, while over half of those with IBS described moderate to severe discomfort.

The study also revealed a pattern of high-risk behaviours and poor health habits. On average, participants reported almost 7 hours of recreational screen time per day. Consumption of ultra-processed foods was high—over six servings per day on average—while one in six reported having consumed alcohol in the past six months. These behaviours, alongside tobacco use and limited sleep, were significantly associated with increased odds of reporting a health condition.

Mental health also played a critical role. Severe levels of depression, anxiety and psychological distress were strongly linked to the presence of physical conditions. The combined effect of poor mental health and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours appeared to amplify vulnerability, particularly among male adolescents.

The study also found important differences by gender and socioeconomic status (SES). Females were more likely to report atopic conditions like eczema and hay fever, while males were more likely to report developmental conditions such as ADHD and autism. Interestingly, boys with poor mental health or risk behaviours showed stronger associations with disease outcomes than girls, suggesting different pathways of vulnerability that may need to be addressed through tailored public health messaging.

While the findings don’t establish causation, they underscore the importance of a holistic and preventative approach to youth health. They also suggest that effective interventions may need to focus on multiple behaviours at once — from improving diet and reducing screen time, to bolstering mental health support and tackling substance use.

The study reminds us that health is shaped long before adulthood. Supporting healthier behaviours in adolescence could have significant implications not only for immediate wellbeing but also for long-term disease prevention. Intervening early, before these patterns become entrenched, may help shift the trajectory of chronic disease across the lifespan.

As rates of adolescent health conditions continue to climb, the need for coordinated, evidence-based responses has never been greater. The results signify the need for a whole lifestyle approach. Supporting young people with the tools, environments and support systems to thrive — both physically and mentally — must be a national health priority.