The story of Africa’s next generation as is often told in headlines is about innovation, entrepreneurship, and ambition. However, a silent health crisis is taking shape among young people, at first, it does not resemble the urgent crises of infectious disease outbreaks or water shortages. Instead, it creeps in slowly, in skipped breakfasts replaced by sugary drinks, late-night fast-food runs, and hours spent scrolling on screens instead of staying active. The outcome is becoming more visible: a rise in lifestyle-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure among those barely into adulthood. As we look back on International Youth Day 2025, it is clear that the call to confront these growing health risks must extend well beyond the day itself.
According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for nearly three-quarters of all deaths globally. In Africa, NCDs are on track to overtake infectious diseases as the leading cause of mortality within the next decade and the lifestyle patterns adopted in youth are a major driver.
Obesity, diabetes, and heart risks are rising among the youth
Urbanization has reshaped the way many young people eat, move, and live. In cities, access to cheap, processed food is often easier than finding fresh, affordable produce. Moreso, busy academic schedules, long commutes, and digital lifestyles have reduced physical activity, while stress levels remain high.
In Kenya, according to the latest data in the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), overweight and obesity are already significant concerns among young people. The survey found that 8.1% of youth aged 15–19 are either overweight or obese, a figure that jumps to 17.1% among those aged 20–24. Combined, this means roughly 12% of Kenyan youth aged 15–24 is living with excess weight, placing them at an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease earlier in life.
These conditions do not only compromise physical health; they also affect mental well-being, academic performance, and productivity. In communities where lifestyle diseases are often associated only with older generations, many young people may overlook early warning signs such as constant fatigue, headaches, or shortness of breath, only to face a serious diagnosis later on.
The pattern is deeply concerning because the damage caused by unhealthy weight often begins years before a formal diagnosis is made. If left unchecked, these conditions can create a lifetime cycle of medication, limited mobility, and increased vulnerability to various NCDs, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, all starting from habits and choices formed during youth.
Diet and lifestyle are fueling risk
Based on research diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats contribute significantly to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other metabolic diseases. When these dietary habits are paired with reduced physical activity, the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels begins to decline, often without obvious symptoms in the early stages.
For many young people, this pattern is reinforced by their daily environments, it is shaped by access, affordability, and social influence. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often cost more and their access is limited compared to processed snacks and street food. Without deliberate interventions from individual choices and policy-level changes, these trends will continue to put young people at greater risk of developing chronic diseases before they even reach their 30s.
Projections indicate that if the current trends persist, Africa will face increased deaths linked to non-communicable diseases by the year 2030 which will exceed deaths from communicable, maternal, and neonatal causes combined. This in turn will put immense pressure on healthcare systems already strained by infectious disease control, limited infrastructure, and workforce shortages. This is not just a medical concern, it is an economic and social one. A less healthy youth population means lower productivity, higher healthcare costs, and fewer young people able to contribute fully to their communities and economies.
How young people can turn the rising tide of disease
Preventing lifestyle diseases starts with awareness, that is, recognizing and understanding that the habits formed in youth can determine health later on in life. It does not require extreme measures; rather, it begins with small, positive, and consistent changes that become part of daily life.
Something as simple as choosing water over sugary drinks can drastically reduce daily sugar intake and support healthy weight management. Incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, the equivalent of 30 minutes a day, five days a week, keeps the body fit and supports mental well-being. For young people, this can be as simple as walking to school, cycling with friends, joining a sports club, or dancing.
Ensuring you get enough sleep and managing your stress is just as important. Sleep deprivation is often linked to weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and reduced concentration, while unmanaged stress can trigger unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, avoiding physical activities, excessive caffeine intake, and smoking. Schools, universities, and community groups can make healthy choices more accessible by offering nutritious, affordable meals, integrating regular, enjoyable physical activities into daily routines, and providing safe spaces for physical activity. With support from families, communities, and local authorities, youth can build a foundation of health that lasts a lifetime.
Making the Right Choices for a Healthier Future
As we reflect on the 2025 International Youth Day, we are reminded that the fight against lifestyle diseases is not a distant battle, it is unfolding here and now, in our homes, schools, and communities. Every snack choice, every skipped workout, every late-night study session powered by energy drinks contributes to the habits that shape lifelong health. While fast food may feel like a quick and affordable solution to hunger, its long-term cost can be far greater, measured in years of diminished energy, preventable illness, and lost opportunities.
Building a healthier generation will require individuals to take ownership of their daily choices, communities to create environments where the healthy option is the easy option, and policymakers to ensure access, affordability, and awareness reach every young person, regardless of where they live or their income level.
