The working paper titled "How Healthy is Our Young Population: Findings from the National Health Survey" reveals India's strides in maternal and child health, alongside persistent challenges such as 36% of children being stunted. Height disparities among women aged 15-29 are concerning, with an increase in those below 145 cm. Despite growth in average height since 1985, India's youth remain among the shortest globally. Obesity, especially abdominal, is prevalent, even among those with low BMIs, a concern for South Asians. Anaemia affects many women, notably in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Non-medical factors contribute significantly to youth mortality, with accidents, violence, and suicides prominent. Tobacco and alcohol use are worrisome, despite a decline in alcohol consumption among youth. Modern contraceptive use varies by age, with a decline among older men. Access to health insurance has improved slightly. The burden of non-communicable diseases, injuries, and mental health issues among youth necessitates robust public health interventions.

Young population, maternal and child health, stunted growth, public health interventions, non-communicable diseases.