Youth Health Crisis and Empowerment: Practical Steps for Young People
Written by Peter Berg
Young people today face a growing and unusual health challenge. Conditions once largely confined to adults—such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—are increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2013), rates of childhood obesity have doubled among young children and tripled among adolescents over the past three decades. Type 2 diabetes, historically seen in adults over 40, is rising among youth, and diagnoses of fatty liver disease among those older than 10 are increasing (Vajro et al., 2012).
Physical conditions are only part of the picture. Mental health issues—anxiety, depression, bipolar and other mood disorders—are prevalent among adolescents and young adults. The World Health Organization (2012) estimates that one in five adolescents globally experiences a mental health problem each year. These combined trends represent an urgent public health concern that affects educational outcomes, social development, and long-term wellbeing.
Added to these concerns are the nearly 3.5 million young people taking medication for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and estimates suggesting that a large proportion of children and teens—some studies listing up to half of those ages 6 to 21—experience some form of learning difference or disability. Faced with these statistics, many young people feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their own needs, and unsure how to take control of their health.
A Message of Hope: Empowerment and Practical Strategies
There is good news. These trends can be changed, and young people can learn to take charge of their health. My work at Youth Transformations focuses on helping young people gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make sustainable, health-promoting choices. Seeing young people reclaim control over their bodies, minds, and daily habits is the heart of this work.
One central challenge is the conflicting and often misleading messages young people receive about health. Media images promote idealized, heavily edited body types as the standard of health, while marketing targeted at youth pushes highly processed foods and lifestyle shortcuts. These messages create unrealistic expectations and can obscure what true, holistic health looks like.
Know Yourself: Reflection as the Foundation
A cornerstone of empowerment is self-knowledge. Giving adolescents time and space to reflect, to slow down, and to notice how they feel physically, mentally, and emotionally helps them recognize their unique needs. That self-awareness supports better decision-making, builds resilience, and deepens empathy for others.
Adults play a vital role in this process. Supportive parents, teachers, and mentors create environments where young people can experiment, make choices, and learn from setbacks. Sustainable change is most effective when it becomes part of daily life—an integrated way of living rather than a temporary fix or a checklist.
Healthy Eating Without Diet Culture
Healthy eating in my approach is not about restrictive diets. It’s about helping each young person find delicious, nourishing foods that suit their individual needs and tastes. For some, that means adding more whole foods and fewer processed options. For others, it means changing routines or patterns that encourage unhealthy choices. The emphasis is on informed, empowered decisions rather than rigid rules.
Occasional fast food or treats are not forbidden. The difference lies in choice: when a young person understands how different foods affect their energy, mood, and health, even occasional indulgences become conscious decisions rather than default behaviors.
A Broader Definition of Health
Health is more than the absence of disease. True wellbeing balances body, mind, and spirit. Our bodies and minds are inherently oriented toward balance and healing; the goal of holistic health education is to help young people recognize and work with that natural tendency. By promoting small, sustainable changes and strengthening self-awareness, we can help youth build habits that last a lifetime.
About the Author
Peter Berg, A.B.D., M.S., C.H.H.C., is the founder of Youth Transformations and Education Transformation. He is a board-certified holistic health and mental health coach, educator, school developer, national trainer, and advocate for integrated and alternative education. Peter has written on holistic educational theory and practice and has founded and co-founded nonprofit community and environmental organizations.
He earned a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies and Education from Antioch University and is completing doctoral research examining the relationship between school leadership and progressive, holistic education. Peter works with organizations that promote sustainability, social and environmental justice, human rights, and holistic health, often facilitating partnerships and consultative support for new and established schools.
Contact: [email protected]. Visit the Youth Transformations and Education Transformation websites or the Youth Transformations Facebook fan page for information about coaching programs for youth ages 10–19 and resources on alternative and integrated education.
Source: Alyssa Celebre via Nomad Creatives
References
CDC – Children and Diabetes and related projects. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013).
CDC – Obesity facts related to adolescent and school health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013).
Vajro, P., Lenta, S., Socha, P., Dhawan, A., McKiernan, P., Baumann, U., et al. (2012). Diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents: position paper of the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 54(5), 700–713.
World Health Organization (WHO). New report on adolescent mental health. WHO/Europe. (2012).