CDC report finds healthy behaviors among U.S. teens decreased from 2013 to 2023

The percentage of U.S. teenagers eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting at least eight hours of sleep was lower in 2023 than in 2013, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report says (Source: “Teen Lifestyles Were Less Healthy in 2023 Compared to 2013, CDC Report Shows,” HealthDay, Jan. 16).
 
“Overall, U.S. high school students did not engage in adequate levels of healthy dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors,” concluded the report titled Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report for Dietary, Physical Activity, and Sleep Behaviors: 2013–2023.
 
There were some improvements between 2021 and 2023, with more teens eating fruits and vegetables and getting exercise after the lifting of restrictions implemented during the pandemic, researchers noted.
 
And in one very bright spot, teens are drinking more water and fewer sugary sodas and sports drinks now than a decade ago, the report says.
 
But overall, the report indicates the state of teen nutrition and physical activity has declined during the past decade.
 
Teenage girls are less likely than boys to engage in almost all healthy behaviors, CDC researchers found. LGBTQ+ students also were less likely than peers to engage in healthy behaviors, the report says. For example, only one in 8 were physically active at least 60 minutes daily or got at least 8 hours of sleep.