The Rise of Chronic Illnesses in Young Adults

Most people consider chronic illnesses as conditions that typically affect older adults; however, a growing research reveals that these long-term health issues are becoming increasingly common among young adults aged 18 to 34. From high blood pressure and diabetes to depression and chronic pain, more young individuals are beginning to manage serious health problems earlier in life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of young adults in the US reported having at least one chronic condition in 2019, and more than 22% were living with multiple chronic conditions (CDC, 2022). By 2023, these numbers rose even higher, with 59.5% of young adults reporting one chronic illness and 27.1% experiencing two or more (CDC, 2025). Researchers from UCLA also discovered that chronic pediatric-onset conditions (asthma, ADHD, and depression) have increased by nearly 30% in young adults over the last two decades (UCLA Health, 2023).

Obesity is one of the most significant contributors, with roughly one in four young adults classified as obese in recent surveys (CDC, 2022). Sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity play a major role. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety have spiked as well, with one in four young people reporting a diagnosable mental health condition (The Guardian, 2025). Mental illness often coexists with other chronic issues, which can cause the diagnosis and treatment plans to be more complicated.

Chronic pain now affects approximately 11.6% of young adults, and type 2 diabetes is now being diagnosed more frequently in teenagers and those in their early twenties (PubMed, 2021). Alarmingly, liver disease related to alcohol use is also surging among young adults, and women appear to be disproportionately affected (People, 2024).

One of the major components of the problem consists of young adults losing insurance coverage after aging out of their parents’ plans or during the transition from school to the workforce, limiting their access to preventive care (Forbes, 2025). Additionally, the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare providers can be disjointed, especially for those with ongoing medical needs, causing many young adults to experience delayed treatment or ignore symptoms until their conditions worsen (JAMA Health Forum, 2021).

The rise in chronic illness among young adults carries serious long-term consequences. As this generation ages, the healthcare system will face greater strain from a population entering midlife with more health complications than previous generations. Beyond the medical implications, chronic conditions can affect education, career prospects, relationships, and overall quality of life.

To address these major issues, prevention must begin early, with greater emphasis on health education, access to nutritious foods, and physical activity. Mental health care needs to be integrated with primary care to catch issues before they escalate. Ensuring a smoother transition from pediatric to adult care and expanding insurance coverage for young adults are also essential steps. 

Chronic illness is no longer just a concern for older adults. More young people are facing lifelong health battles that begin in their teens or twenties. With awareness, policy changes, and a focus on prevention, we can help this generation reclaim their health and build a stronger, healthier future.

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References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 29). Chronic Conditions Among Adults aged 18–34 years — United States, 2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(30), 964–970. [https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7130a3](https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7130a3)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, June 27). Prevalence of Chronic Conditions Among U.S. Adults Aged 18–34 years — 2023. Preventing Chronic Disease, 22(0539). [https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24\_0539.htm](https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0539.htm)

UCLA Health. (2023, June 15). Pediatric Chronic Disease Prevalence has Risen Nearly 30% in Young Adults, UCLA-led Study Finds. [https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/pediatric-chronic-disease-prevalence-has-risen-nearly-30](https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/pediatric-chronic-disease-prevalence-has-risen-nearly-30)

People. (2024, May 15). Alcohol-Related Liver Disease is 'Surging' in Young People — and it's 'Far Worse in Rome,' Research Says. [https://people.com/alcohol-related-liver-disease-surging-in-young-people-11687814](https://people.com/alcohol-related-liver-disease-surging-in-young-people-11687814)

The Guardian. (2025, June 26). One in Four Young People in England have a Mental Health Condition, NHS survey finds. [https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/26/young-people-england-common-mental-health-conditions-nhs-survey](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/26/young-people-england-common-mental-health-conditions-nhs-survey)

JAMA Health Forum. (2021, June 4). Health Care Transitions for Young Adults with Chronic Conditions — Closing the gaps. [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2780868](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2780868)

Forbes Business Council. (2025, June 9). More Young Adults are Developing Chronic Illnesses: How can Providers Help Change Course? [https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/06/09/more-young-adults-are-developing-chronic-illnesses-how-can-providers-help-change-course](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/06/09/more-young-adults-are-developing-chronic-illnesses-how-can-providers-help-change-course)

PubMed. (2021). Chronic Pain in Young Adults — a Growing Concern. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34817439/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34817439/)