Teenagers face 'health timebomb'

BRITAIN: The next generation will be the most infertile and the most obese in the history of mankind, medical leaders warned…

BRITAIN: The next generation will be the most infertile and the most obese in the history of mankind, medical leaders warned yesterday.

A report on adolescent health by the British Medical Association said increased drinking, smoking and drug-taking among British teenagers was creating a "public-health timebomb".

The sexual health of young people was also suffering, with as many as one in 10 women aged 16 to 19 infected with chlamydia, a sexually-transmitted disease which can make sufferers infertile.

In addition, a lack of exercise and poor diet is leading to many more teenagers becoming overweight or obese, with the associated health problems this brings.

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The BMA yesterday called on more money for services that specifically target adolescents, which it said were stuck in a "no man's land" between child and adult health services.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, BMA's head of science and ethics, said that practices that were good or bad for health were established during adolescence, making it a crucial time to instil health warnings in youngsters' minds.

"Young people in Britain are increasingly likely to be overweight, indulge in binge drinking, have a sexually transmitted infection and suffer mental health problems.

"It is high time we provided education and healthcare services that target the specific need of young people."

Dr Russell Viner, consultant in adolescent medicine at University College Hospitals and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, said the lack of services dedicated to young people in Britain was a "scandal".