The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its biennial Youth Risk Behavior Survey, focusing heavily on nutrition and physical activity among high schoolers in 2025. The findings, released on Monday, reflect a notable increase in students engaging in healthy behaviors, a priority for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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The survey, which provides a comprehensive overview of teen health in the U.S., includes aspects such as mental health, substance use, and dietary habits. This year's report shows an increase in high school students consuming fruits and vegetables daily, as well as a rise in the number of students who drink water at least three times per day compared to 2023. Additionally, 58% of students participated in sports teams in 2025, up from 52% in 2023.
Dr. Jennifer Shuford, CDC's chief medical officer, linked these findings to the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative led by President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, which addresses chronic diseases related to poor dietary and lifestyle choices. The report also notes the restoration of the presidential fitness test in public schools and the introduction of new dietary guidelines aimed at reducing ultraprocessed food consumption.
In terms of mental health, the report indicates a decline in persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness among high schoolers, from 53% in 2023 to 43% in 2025. This represents a positive trend, although the report does not specifically address the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth, who statistically experience poorer mental health outcomes.
Mike Underwood, acting director of the CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health, stated that the report aims to give a broad overview of youth health behaviors that can benefit communities across the country. Ariel Beccia, a research scientist, emphasized the importance of recognizing that mental health trends may not be uniform across different demographic groups.
The 2025 survey included questions about transgender identity for the second time. This follows a controversial period during the Trump administration when references to transgender issues were removed from CDC resources, although a federal judge later mandated their restoration.
Dr. Aaron Reliford, clinical director at NYU Langone's Child Study Center, remarked on the benefits of the report's emphasis on physical health and nutrition. He indicated that consistent social media usage among teens, where about one in three use it at least every hour, could detract from physical activity. He highlighted the importance of reducing screen time to promote better health outcomes for teens.