Final Results from the RYHEALTH Survey: Promoting Healthier Lifestyles Among European Youth
Key findings on weight status, physical activity, diet, and well-being from over 2,400 children and adolescents across Europe.
The RYHEALTH Survey offers valuable insights into the health behaviors of European youth, supporting families, educators, and policymakers in promoting healthier lifestyles. Based on data from 2,431 participants aged 10–17 in Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Sweden, the study explores four core areas: weigth status, physical activity (Activity project), nutrition (Food project), and well-being (Happiness project).
The RYHEALTH Survey offers valuable insights into the health behaviors of European youth, supporting families, educators, and policymakers in promoting healthier lifestyles. Based on data from 2,431 participants aged 10–17 in Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Sweden, the study explores four core areas: weigth status, physical activity (Activity project), nutrition (Food project), and well-being (Happiness project).
⚖️ Weight status:
21% of participants are classified as overweight or obese based on their BMI. Rates are higher among boys (24%) than girls (17%), and slightly more common in children (22%) than adolescents (20%).
21% of participants are classified as overweight or obese based on their BMI. Rates are higher among boys (24%) than girls (17%), and slightly more common in children (22%) than adolescents (20%).
💪 Physical Activity:
There is a clear gender and age gap: 25% of girls report no vigorous physical activity (vs. 14% of boys). Adolescents are less active than children, especially at 3–4 days/week. Schools and families must diversify physical activity options to encourage all youth, especially girls and older students.
There is a clear gender and age gap: 25% of girls report no vigorous physical activity (vs. 14% of boys). Adolescents are less active than children, especially at 3–4 days/week. Schools and families must diversify physical activity options to encourage all youth, especially girls and older students.
🥗 Nutrition:
Only 31% of participants show high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with slightly better adherence in children (45%) than adolescents (29%). Healthy eating habits must be encouraged from an early age, both at home and at school.
Only 31% of participants show high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with slightly better adherence in children (45%) than adolescents (29%). Healthy eating habits must be encouraged from an early age, both at home and at school.
😊 Well-being:
Girls report more frequent stress (34%) compared to boys (22%), and adolescents report more stress than children. Children also perceive their fitness and quality of life more positively. Emotional support and sleep-friendly routines are key strategies to enhance youth well-being.
Girls report more frequent stress (34%) compared to boys (22%), and adolescents report more stress than children. Children also perceive their fitness and quality of life more positively. Emotional support and sleep-friendly routines are key strategies to enhance youth well-being.
These findings call for age- and gender-sensitive strategies that involve schools, families, and communities in building a healthier future.
Sources: RYHEALTH Survey – Final Data, 2025
Authors: MOVE IT Research Group – University of Cádiz