Non Communicable Diseases in Adolescents: Risks, Prevention & Tips

Last Updated on March 22, 2026 by Bibhu Ranjan Mund, MPH

Non Communicable Diseases in Adolescents re long-term illnesses that do not spread from person to person. They gradually evolve and may be affected by lifestyle, environmental exposure, as well as genetics and social factors.

Reviewed by Bibhu Ranjan Mund, MPH (Public Health Expert) with experience in maternal, infant, child, and adolescent health programs. Content is based on evidence-informed guidelines aligned with organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health.
Last reviewed on: 22 March 2026.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or concerns.

Introduction:

Non Communicable Diseases in adolescents have become a major global public health concern. Many lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiovascular problems and mental health disorders once previously observed mainly in adults are now becoming more common in teenagers. These are not contagious but rather develop with time as a result of unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, stress, drug use, environmental exposure and genetic predisposition.

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage where habits form and significantly influence future health. Education of NCDs at an early age, screening and healthy lifestyle practices can go a long way in preventing the condition, as well as providing healthier and more fruitful adult life.

The article explains the reasons, risk factors, the warning signs, screening and practical prevention tips to ensure that adolescents are not at risk of the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases.

Global Burden of NCDs

Source: WHO Global Health Observatory 2023, UNICEF Adolescent Statistics 2022

What Are Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?

Examples of typical NCDs in adolescents are:

• Obesity
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety and stress disorders.

Many NCDs were previously thought of as adult diseases but first-time observation in adolescence is on the rise, thus necessitating early prevention of the disease.

Comparison Table: Communicable vs Non-Communicable Diseases

Source: WHO Health Topics 2023

Adolescence refers to an important time of development in physical, mental and behavioral aspects. The habits that are developed in this age tend to persist even in the adulthood.

The importance of early prevention Why is it important?

• The majority of NCDs in adults have their risk factors that are set in childhood.
• The productivity and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of a country are filled by healthy adolescents.
• A threefold long-term social and economic payoff has been observed in investment in adolescent health.
• Earlier interventions are more effective and sustainable in form of lifestyle interventions.

Global Adolescent Lifestyle Risk Indicators

Sources: WHO 2022, UNICEF 2021, The Lancet Commission 2020

Risk Factors of Non Communicable Diseases in Adolescents

A. Individual-Level Risk Factors

• Lack of adequate physical exercise.
• Poor consumption of fruits and vegetables and whole foods.
• High-salt content, high-sugar content and high-fat foods are often consumed.
• Tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse.
• Stress and low level of coping.
• Malnourished or obese because of nutritional imbalance.
• Lack of knowledge on the association between disease risk and lifestyle.

B. Family, School and Community Level Risks.

• Family lifestyle habits of sitting around.
• Poorly balanced food systems- home and school.
• Poor access to sports facilities or recreation facilities.
• Family pressure and academic pressure.
• Discrimination and lack of an equal opportunity depending on gender.
• Absence of well-organized health education.

Role of Stakeholders in Preventing Adolescent NCDs

Source: UNICEF Adolescent Health Strategy 2021

C. Cultural, Environmental and social risks.

• aggressive marketing of cigarettes, alcohol and ultra-processed food.
• Air pollution- indoors and outdoors.
• Dangerous streets, especially with girls.
• high urban population density and the shortage of green spaces.
• Corporate influence on youth behavior in sponsorship and branding.

Major Risk Factors for NCDs in Adolescents

Source: WHO Adolescent Health Risk Report 2022

Typical Non-Communicable Diseases in Adolescents and Red Flags.

1. Cardiovascular Conditions

• Reduced physical endurance
• Shortness of breath as compared to peers.
• Lightheadedness or fainting with exercise.
• Heart palpitations
• Bluish discoloration of lips or gums (rare but severe)

2. Diabetes in Adolescents

Type 1 Diabetes

• Elevated urination and thirst.
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue and irritability
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Smelling of fruit (acute symptom)

Type 2 Diabetes

• Urination (i.e. frequent urination, including at night)
• Increased thirst
• Slow wound healing
• Brown spots on the skin (acanthosis nigricans)
• Fatigue and blurred vision

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a health emergency and it should be treated by medical workers.

3. Cancer (Uncommon but Still possible at the Adolescent Age)

• New or changing skin lesions
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant headaches and vomiting.
• abnormal bleeding or bruising.
• Prolonged fever or fatigue

4. Asthma

• Wheezing or coughing frequently.
• Shortness of breath in the form of breathlessness at the time of exercise.
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing, which results in disturbed sleep.

5. Mental Health Disorders

• Constant depression or bad mood.
• Interests in activities lost.
• Eating and or sleeping disorders.
• Social withdrawal
• Poor academic achievements.
• Persistent fear, anxiety, or lack of motivation

Common NCDs in Adolescents

Source: WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Fact Sheet 2023

Early Diagnosis and Health Evaluation

Key Screening Measures:

• BMI Classification
  • Underweight: <5th percentile
  • Normal: 5th–85th percentile
  • Overweight: 85th–95th percentile
  • Obese: 95th percentile
• Blood Pressure
  • Elevated BP: ≥90th percentile to <95th percentile
  • Hypertension: ≥95th percentile on 3 separate readings

The disease progression can be avoided and can be treated in a timely manner through early detection.

Screening and Early Detection Indicators Table

Source: WHO Adolescent Health Guidelines 2022

Healthy Living through Prevention of NCDs

1. Promote Physical Activity

• At least 30–60 minutes daily
• 3-5 times in aerobics a week.
• Exercises of strength (yoga, dancing, sport) and flexibility.
• Promote play and less screen time.

2. Promote Healthy Dietary practices.

• Whole grains, vegetables and fruits daily.
• Eliminate junk food and sugary beverages.
• Home and school balanced diets.
• Adequate hydration

3. Prevent Substance Abuse

• Teach refusal skills
• Talk of consequences in the long term.
• Promote good peer in networks.
• Offer counseling services on demand

4. Manage Stress Positively

• Meditative and stress relief practices.
• Promote free flow of information.
• Encourage skill of problem solving.
• Contact the mental health professionals where necessary.

5. Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

Promote:

• Clean cooking fuels
• Proper ventilation of the kitchen.
• Safe household practices

Avoid:

• Passive smoking
• Poor waste disposal
• Indoor overcrowding

6. Families, Schools and Communities.

• Encourage routine medical examinations.
• Promote positive role modelling.
• Enhance accessibility of health services to adolescents.
• Conduct communal sensitization.
• Encourage physical exercise and nutrition education.

Action against social and gender disparities.

Healthy Lifestyle Practices Table

Source: WHO Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Framework 2021

Behavioural Risk Factors vs Protective Factors

Source: WHO Global Action Plan for NCD Prevention 2019

Concluding Points:

• The significant NCD risks among adolescents are unhealthy dietary practices, stress, substance use, and pollution.
• The majority of risk factors can be changed by early intervention.
• Finally, the powerful preventive measures involve the use of physical activities and nutrition.
• Mental health disorders are known non-communicable ailments.
• Communities, schools and families have to collaborate in preventing.

FAQs:

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Trusted References and Research Sources:

1. Understanding global adolescent health risks — PMC article on adolescent NCD risks
   👉 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6324039/
2. Evidence on NCD burden in clinical populations — The Lancet eClinicalMedicine full text
   👉 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00321-2/fulltext
3. UNICEF data on noncommunicable diseases in children — Child health & NCD statistics
   👉 https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/noncommunicable-diseases/
4. Academic insights on NCDs in adolescence — Oxford Academic book chapter
   👉 https://academic.oup.com/book/29864/chapter/253067681
5. UNICEF thematic report on adolescent diets & nutrition (PDF) — India-focused nutrition data
   👉 https://www.unicef.org/india/sites/unicef.org.india/files/2020-02/CNNS-Thematic-Report-Adolescents-Diets-and-Nutrition.pdf
6. WHO fact sheet: adolescent health risks & solutions — Official WHO resource
   👉 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-and-solutions/
7. PubMed research on adolescent noncommunicable diseases — Scientific paper reference
   👉 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39869379/
8. UNICEF regional report: childhood NCD workshop (PDF) — South Asia NCD workshop summary
   👉 https://www.unicef.org/rosa/media/29986/file/Report%20on%20Childhood%20NCD%20workshop.pdf.pdf
9. WHO Q&A on childhood overweight, obesity & NCDs — Detailed WHO Q&A resource
   👉 https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/noncommunicable-diseases-childhood-overweight-and-obesity

Guideline of WHO for Non communicable disease and its link as mentioned below: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases

Editorial Policy:
All articles on Healthy Home are reviewed by public health professionals and updated periodically to align with WHO, UNICEF and national adolescent health guidelines.

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Bibhu Ranjan Mund, MPH

About the Author – “Bibhu Ranjan Mund”, Master in Public Health (MPH) from IIHMR University, Jaipur (Rajasthan- IHMR-U/12/2021 -23/0015) has experience of 18 years in Public Health activities like maternal health, child health, adolescent health, nutrition and community wellness programs. Through “Healthy Home”, he shares evidence-based health and wellness guidance designed to support families in making informed lifestyle decisions. This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Connect LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibhu-ranjan-mund-b72171358/