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Health

CDC releases 2025 youth survey emphasizing nutrition and physical activity gains

High schoolers reported improved mental health and better dietary habits, according to NBC News reporting.

Updated Sep 21, 2026 · 20:13 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • The CDC published results from its 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, showing gains in sports participation, daily fruit and vegetable consumption, and hydration.[NBC News]
  • Mental health indicators improved, with students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness dropping to 43% from 53% in 2023.[NBC News]
  • Health officials linked the findings to federal health initiatives, but the report omitted data on LGBTQ youth despite collecting it.[NBC News]

Key facts

  • The CDC released findings from its 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey examining high school students nationwide.[NBC News]
  • Fifty-eight percent of high school students participated on sports teams in 2025, an increase from 52% in 2023.[NBC News]
  • More high schoolers consumed fruits and vegetables daily and drank water at least thrice daily in 2025 compared with 2023.[NBC News]
  • The share of students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness dropped to 43% in 2025, down from 53% in 2023.[NBC News]
  • The published report omitted findings on LGBTQ youth despite the 2025 questionnaire including a transgender identity item.[NBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It is not clear from the report how mental health improvements were distributed across specific racial, ethnic, or sexual orientation subgroups.[NBC News]
  • The report did not specify the degree to which socioeconomic barriers, like grocery store access, influenced dietary differences.[NBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.