7-Year study follows 5,000 teens to uncover secrets of healthy habits

This study followed nearly 5,000 U.S. teenagers from 10th grade into their early twenties to track how their health behaviors—like diet, exercise, substance use, and driving—changed over time. Researchers collected surveys, genetic samples, and neighborhood data to understand what helps teens stay healthy or leads to risky behaviors. The goal was to inform programs that support positive health in young people.