Obesity has been around since the 1970s, and since then, it has only continued to rise, with one in eight people affected by this condition, according to data for 2024. Without an end in sight for this issue, research tells us that severe obesity is expected to double until 2035 in high-income populations.
Younger generations, generally speaking, are known for their tendency to be more health-conscious. Gen Z, the youngest generation to enter adulthood, is often seen as the group that might finally beat this growing problem. Sadly, despite their positive intentions and potential, obesity rates are still climbing, and Gen Z may not be the generation to reverse this trend.
Gen Z Versus Social Media
The impact of social media is one of the leading causes of this dilemma. In the digital environment that Gen Z has grown up in, health influencers and fitness experts frequently set the standard for what is seen as ideal. Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms are overflowing with images and videos of toned bodies and trendy exercise regimens. Although many people are motivated to adopt better lifestyles thanks to these social media influencers, they frequently set unattainable expectations that are difficult to meet in real life. In consequence, an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise is often the result of these unattainable goals.
There’s also a more direct way social media promotes obesity among younger people: Through junk food ads. You can often see celebrities endorsing potato chips, burgers, sodas, and other foods and beverages directly linked to excessive weight gain in modern society. If a teenager who happens to be a big fan of Maroon Five sees Adam Levine in a Coca-Cola commercial, they might believe that soda is harmless. Although drinking soda in small amounts on rare occasions won’t make someone obese, we live in a society where people are constantly overindulging, sometimes without even noticing. For reference, a 12-oz can of Coke has 39 grams of sugar, while the general recommended daily amount is 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men.
Gen Z Versus the Cost of Living
The financial struggles that many young adults face only make matters worse. The modern job market is challenging and competitive, with many Gen Zers struggling to find stable, well-paying jobs, even after graduating from a four-year college program. In fact, almost 40% of employers avoid hiring recent graduates. This has mostly to do with Gen Z’s perceived lack of professionalism when compared to older generations.
On top of all this, the rising cost of living presents an obstacle to access to healthy, nourishing foods, which cost much more than unhealthy and ultra-processed alternatives. As a result, many Gen Z adults may go for a cheaper, faster, less healthy diet that compromises their health in the long run.
Although the quality of the food we eat matters, how we eat it matters just as much. Gen Z is more likely to eat in their cars and reach for snacks rather than have a balanced meal. The desire for convenience and affordability can get in the way of the intention to eat well. Even though Gen Z wants to make healthy choices, the reality of their financial constraints and busy routines often makes it harder to follow through. Fast food and pre-packaged meals become tempting shortcuts, undermining their efforts to adopt a healthier diet. According to Segmanta, however, there is a silver lining: Fruits and vegetables are this generation’s second most popular snacks. Maybe not all is lost.
Gen Z Versus Physical Activity
Another silver lining is that Gen Z is exercising more than previous generations. 87% of this group exercises at least three times a week, with millennials right behind them.
For many young people, exercise is a social activity. It’s a way to meet new people and make friends in a world where human connection feels scarce. Gyms and health clubs are third spaces that offer a sense of community and the tools to take care of their bodies. According to Running Insight, Gen Zers are 29% more likely to have a workout buddy than their millennial counterparts. Young people also want to emulate the fitness influencers they are chronically exposed to on their screens, posting Instagram stories of their post-workout selfies. This may be in some way related to the fact that they are also more likely to work out for their looks, not for their health.
As a generation that embraces taking care of their mental health, Gen Z has adopted running–an activity shown to reduce depression and anxiety levels–as a lifestyle. They represent 69% of users who share their running activity on Strava, beating Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers. Weightlifting and strength training are the second most popular physical activities after running or jogging, with 35% of adepts. 31% of Gen Zers practice other forms of cardio, and 28% like to practice yoga or Pilates. Gyms seem to be taking notice of this fact and trying to appeal to younger customers, which could lead to a positive movement in this health crisis.
In closing…
The percentage of Gen Z adults who are overweight or obese is higher than we expected. Studies show that around 56% of Americans aged 18 to 25 fall into these categories. Even though Gen Z means well, this statistic highlights the challenge of translating their good intention of living a healthy lifestyle into action.
While Gen Z’s awareness and concern for health are well known, their ability to do something about the obesity crisis is limited by several factors. Social media sets high standards that are difficult to meet. Economic pressures make healthy eating challenging. This generation’s appreciation for exercise may be its saving grace.
Nevertheless, for the obesity crisis to be effectively addressed, we need to tackle the root causes that, in truth, have little to do with food or physical activity but with social interactions, home life, and economic status. Gen Z may be more aware and motivated than previous generations, but overcoming these obstacles will be crucial for making a real impact.
