A European initiative promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people aged 10-17: The Rock Your Health Project (RYHEALTH)

Background: The RYHEALTH project is a European initiative aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people aged 10-17.9 years. The project focuses on four key pillars: physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and sustainability, recognizing their interconnected impact on adolescent well-being. Objective: The project aims to assess the lifestyle behaviors of European adolescents, examining the interrelationships between physical activity, nutrition and mental health. Additionally, the project seeks to develop a digital intervention platform (RYHEALTH HUB) to provide accessible, evidence-based resources for promoting healthy behaviors among youth, parents, and educators. Methods: This cross-sectional study will collect data from adolescents in Germany, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden using the RYHEALTH e-Questionnaire, a validated, multilingual digital survey. The questionnaire assesses sociodemographic factors, physical activity, dietary patterns, and mental well-being. Statistical analyses will explore associations between lifestyle behaviors and key health indicators, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Expected Results: It is anticipated that a significant proportion of adolescents will not meet recommended guidelines for physical activity, diet, and mental well-being. Positive associations are expected between regular physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, and improved mental health outcomes. In contrast, sedentary behavior and poor dietary habits could correlate with increased stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Additionally, exposure to nature is hypothesized to have protective effects on psychological well-being. Conclusion: The findings will provide a comprehensive understanding of youth lifestyle behaviors across Europe, facilitating the development of evidence-based interventions. RYHEALTH HUB, an innovative digital platform, will serve as a resource to support adolescents, parents, and educators in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.