The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published new Youth Health in Focus data showing improved mental and physical health and dieting among highschoolers in the U.S. Key findings from the report are summarized in a press release.

The most recent data was collected from 2023-2025 and compared with numbers as far back as 2015. While several improvements in teen health were observed, there are still areas that need improvement. The most notable findings from both sides are as follows:

• Rates of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts/attempts each declined 6% from 2023-2025.
• Fewer injuries from suicide attempts were reported in 2025 than in 2015.
• About 1/3 of students reported feeling persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2025, a 7% improvement from 2023, but a jump from 2015.
• Daily fruit, vegetable, and water consumption rose from 2023-2025.
• Daily soda and sports drink consumption declined from 2015-2025.
• Six percent more students played on a sports team in 2025 than in 2023.
• Daily physical activity, sleep, social media use, and distracted driving rates stayed about the same in 2025 as they were in 2023.
• Fewer students are getting at least eight hours of sleep on school nights compared to 2015.
• The amount of youth eating breakfast daily declined from 2015.
• Daily physical activity in high school students declined form 2015.

CDC applauded the progress but calls for better approaches to maintain and improve adolescent health. They said, “These findings make it clear that progress is possible. However, sustained, evidence-based strategies are needed to build on these gains, address areas of concern, and ensure that more adolescents have the support they need to be healthy, safe, and ready to learn.”