A snapshot of the health of young people in Europe

This report has been prepared by the WHO Regional Office for Europe for the European Commission conference, Youth health initiative: be healthy, be yourself, held in Brussels, Belgium on 9 and 10 July 2009. The conference reflects the high priority given to youth health by the European Commission. This is a vital commitment, because securing the health and well-being of young people today is an essential investment in securing the health, well-being and prosperity of the Europe of tomorrow. The report provides a “snapshot” of the health of young people in Europe rather than a more comprehensive account. An editorial board was formed to oversee production of the report, and expert writers were commissioned to make specific contributions. Their expertise and knowledge of the underpinning issues makes for an authoritative yet succinct overview of the health issues that are important to Europe’s young people now and for the future, including: 

• mental health;
• overweight and obesity;
• physical activity and sedentary behaviour;
• substance misuse;
• sexual health.