Do Younger Generations Have More Chronic Health Conditions?

Claims that younger generations have more chronic health conditions have been circling for years. Earlier this year, National Geographic reported that more than one billion people between the ages of 10 and 24 are at risk of poor health outcomes by 2030, which accounts for about half of the global adolescent population. The original study authors in the Lancet attribute these risks to rising obesity rates and mental health issues caused by the pandemic and multiple global wars, combined with changes in digital technologies and global climate destabilization. 

Pre-pandemic studies suggest that Gen Z is more likely to seek treatments like going to therapy, while being the most open to changing their lifestyles to be healthier. However, the most recent 2025 studies show that these attitudes have changed, and leaders must take courageous actions now.

So, where is the truth? It may be somewhere in between. Let’s take a closer look at younger generations and their chronic health problems. 

The Impact of Stress on Gen Z 

Some chronic health conditions among younger generations may be attributed to stress. When stress responses are activated long-term, stress hormones can disrupt almost all the body’s natural processes. In turn, those with chronic stress are at higher risk for a variety of health problems, from anxiety and depression to digestive issues, headaches, muscle pain, heart conditions, sleep problems, weight gain, and problems with focus and memory. 

In 2018, the American Psychological Association previously found that over 90% of surveyed Gen Z adults had experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom of stress in the past month. About 75% of surveyed adults in other generations reported the same, marking a clear uptick in Gen Z stress levels. 

The report concluded that gun violence, high-profile sexual assault cases, and family separations dominated the news cycle at the time, creating significant stress among young generations. But here’s the real kicker: researchers published this report in 2018—well before COVID-19.

Among generations coping with the impacts of COVID, researchers found that Gen Z shows less resilience than others. They determined that Gen Z and Millennials face greater psychological vulnerability during the initial pandemic period because of their mental health challenges and maladaptive coping behaviors.

With stress levels already higher than the general population, high levels of financial-related stress, and a global pandemic that left Gen Z vulnerable, it’s reasonable to worry that Gen Z may have poorer health outcomes than generations before them. 

Gen Z Chronic Health Conditions 

Research indicates that chronic health condition rates have risen to unprecedented levels over the last two decades. Alarmingly, an estimated nearly one in three young people are now living with pediatric onset conditions that significantly impact their lives. 

According to Lauren Wisk, assistant professor of medicine in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, this unprecedented rise in chronic conditions is largely attributed to ADHD/ADD, autism, asthma, prediabetes, depression, and anxiety. 

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In the UCLA report, Wisk explains that these higher-than-expected chronic condition rates stem from increasing numbers of youth with socioeconomic vulnerabilities. In particular, those disadvantaged with less education, lower income, public insurance, and unemployment are all more likely to face chronic health conditions. Other experts acknowledge these are exacerbated by the pandemic aftermath and inflation

Wisk also explains that the majority of chronic conditions faced by younger generations are treatable with high-quality healthcare, but notes that the United States healthcare system does not always provide a pathway to treatment. She suggests that many young people are at risk of disengaging with care, which can exacerbate their conditions. 

A Nuanced Situation 

While there is clearly a rise in reported chronic health conditions among Gen Z and even younger generations like Gen Alpha, keep in mind the bigger picture. Some of these increased rates are due to a better understanding of conditions and more thorough diagnostic materials. Healthcare providers now diagnose certain conditions more often because they better understand what to look for, even though other conditions are rising in prevalence for many reasons.

For example, rising autism rates is a hot topic of debate in many healthcare circles. While some people believe that autism rates are going up because of vaccines and other external causes, the science doesn’t back it up. 

However, there are reasons behind the increased rates. As Christine Ladd-Acosta, PhD, vice director of the Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, puts it, there are two main factors influencing the increase in diagnoses. 

The first factor is the broadened definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Experts have expanded the diagnostic criteria, which means more people are meeting the definition than ever before. The second factor is an increase in screenings at wellness visits for young children. Increased awareness of autism has led more parents and caregivers to notice symptoms in their children at an earlier age, leading to increased diagnosis rates.  

READ: How Is Gen Z Influencing the Cannabis Industry?

The Bigger Picture 

The research points to a clear rise in chronic health conditions among younger generations. Gen Z reports being more stressed than other generations, especially as a vulnerable population throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – and since. 

But Gen Z also shows promise for wanting a better future. This generation is generally more open to going to therapy and seeking help for anxiety and depression, two risk factors for a slew of chronic health conditions. 

Additionally, better awareness and understanding of conditions may explain some of the increased rates of chronic health conditions. In many cases, people are not experiencing a true rise in prevalence, but instead are recognizing more signs and symptoms along with enhanced public screenings.

But we know that many of the existential stressors that contribute to chronic stress and thus chronic health conditions are here to stay. While an openness to therapy and healthier lifestyles may be a trend among Gen Z and younger generations, the rates of chronic health conditions among younger people are still on the rise. And while many of the conditions may be treatable with high-quality care, the current healthcare system and economy are not set up to serve all who need it.