Brandenburg Reports Mixed Trends in Youth Health: Rising Overweight and Mental Health Concerns Amid Declining Tobacco and Alcohol Use

The latest 2025 children and youth health report from Brandenburg reveals a complex picture of youth health trends. While tobacco and alcohol consumption among young people have dropped significantly, with tobacco use declining from 39% in 2005 to 15% in 2021, and alcohol consumption falling from 26% to 12%, other health concerns are increasing. According to the report presented at a health ministry conference in Potsdam, overweight prevalence in children and adolescents has risen to 30% in 2023, up from approximately 27% in 2018. Physical activity has decreased as well, with fewer than half of adolescents engaging in regular sports.

Mental health challenges are also on the rise, with 8.1% of hospitalized youth treated for mental or behavioral disorders in 2023, compared to 6.5% a decade earlier. Additionally, 30% of children starting school exceeded recommended daily media consumption, and about 20% exhibited developmental disorders, particularly in speech and language. The report highlights the significant impact of social status on health, noting that 10% of Brandenburg families are classified as low social status, and their children face greater physical and psychological burdens.

Health Minister Britta Müller emphasized the importance of early health promotion and prevention, stressing that a healthy upbringing is crucial for better adult health outcomes. The report serves as a key resource for policymakers and health service providers aiming to address children's health needs in Brandenburg.