Prevalence of Frequent Mental Distress and Physical Inactivity Among Adults Aged 18–29 Years — United States, 2012–2024

Abstract

Poor mental health accounts for an estimated $300 billion in medical, pharmaceutical, and workplace- and suicide-related costs in the United States each year; promoting physical activity is an evidence-based approach to improving mental health. Identifying geographic groups with high prevalences of frequent mental distress and physical inactivity could help focus strategies that improve both outcomes. Young adults aged 18-29 years experience the highest prevalence of mental health conditions compared with other adult age groups. Using 2012-2024 data for adults aged 18-29 years from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC calculated frequent mental distress and physical inactivity prevalences nationally and by state or territory (jurisdiction). Nationwide, from 2012 to 2024, statistically significant overall increases in the prevalences of frequent mental distress (from 12.7% to 21.3%) and physical inactivity (from 15.9% to 16.8%) were observed. These national changes reflect jurisdiction-level changes from 2012 to 2024, because the prevalence of frequent mental distress increased and physical inactivity prevalence remained unchanged or increased in nearly every jurisdiction. However, examining year-to-year national changes revealed substantial recent declines in both frequent mental distress (during 2022-2023 and 2023-2024) and physical inactivity (during 2023-2024). Improving these outcomes can help prevent chronic diseases, reduce health care costs, and improve overall quality of life. Opportunities exist to improve mental health and increase physical activity concurrently through strategies that include social support groups for physical activity or changes to the physical environment. Such approaches might help sustain recent improvements in mental health and physical activity and lead to overall improvements in health.