Teenagers from Mallorca are fitter than they were ten years ago (but a little fatter)

PalmYoung people in Mallorca today are fitter than they were a decade ago, according to a study. Evolution of the physical condition of adolescents in Mallorca in the last decade (2014-2024): what is the current situation?The study, prepared by researchers David Carbonell Escalas, Jaume Cantallops Ramon, and Josep Vidal Conti, and included in the 2025 Education Yearbook, analyzes the evolution of two key health indicators: VO₂ max, which measures aerobic capacity (the body's ability to use oxygen during physical exercise), and weight and height. It also examines BMI, indicating higher weight relative to height. The study detected an increase in the average BMI of adolescents, from 20.7 in 2014 to 21.7 in 2024, suggesting a slight upward trend in body weight. Regarding VO₂ max, a substantial improvement in aerobic capacity was observed, with an increase from 33.3 ml/kg/min in 2014 to 42.1 ml/kg/min in 2024. These differences are statistically significant.

The analysis by sex shows different patterns in the evolution of the two variables. In women, BMI increased from 20.5 to 21.9, while in men the increase was more moderate, from 20.8 to 21.6. As for VO₂ max, the improvement was significant in both sexes: men went from 36.7 ml/kg/min in 2014 to 45.4 ml/kg/min in 2024, while women improved from 30.1 ml/kg/min to 38.1 ml/kg/min. Statistical tests show significant differences in both BMI and VO₂ max. The results indicate that, in the last decade, Mallorcan adolescents have experienced an improvement in aerobic capacity, along with a slight increase in body weight, especially among girls. How the study was conducted

The study is based on a comparison of two independent samples of secondary school students, collected ten years ago (2014) and currently (2024), to identify potential changes in physical fitness and BMI. The total sample includes 874 participants aged 12 to 17 from 12 schools in Mallorca, representing diverse socio-educational contexts on the island. Inclusion criteria stipulated that participants had to be between 12 and 17 years old, enrolled in a secondary school, not suffer from chronic illnesses that would interfere with the physical tests, and have signed informed consent. Data were collected in the school gymnasiums during school hours and under the supervision of trained researchers. Aerobic capacity was assessed using the Course-Navette test (a continuous run between two points, the distance of which must be covered faster each time), which allows for the calculation of VO₂ max, while BMI was calculated using direct measurements of weight and height, applying the standard formula (kg/m²).

According to the authors, the improvement in VO₂ max is explained by the impact of public and educational policies implemented in recent years, both in schools and in the community. Initiatives such as active breaks, the promotion of walking or cycling to school, and the increase in extracurricular sports activities have contributed to reducing sedentary behavior and improving the health of young people. The researchers emphasize that current VO₂ max values in Mallorca are even higher than those of other Spanish cities or very similar.

A stronger heart for the future

The increase in VO₂ max, it is noted, is a positive finding, as it not only reflects improved physical fitness but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. According to the authors, maintaining good aerobic capacity during adolescence can prevent problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease. This progress confirms that school and community policies focused on physical activity are effective when they are sustained over time and supported by the educational community. Despite this good news, the study shows a slight increase in BMI compared to 2014. This rise may reflect an increase in muscle mass resulting from the practice of high-intensity disciplines such as HIIT, CrossFit, or Hyrox, which combine strength and aerobic endurance. Furthermore, the researchers warn that screen time remains a significant challenge. The intensive use of mobile phones, computers, and game consoles reduces hours of physical activity outside of school, especially during adolescence, which can contribute to weight gain.

The study reminds us that adolescence is a critical time for maintaining active habits. It is the stage in which the most sports dropouts occur, especially among girls, which can hinder the success of public policies. School programs guarantee physical activity at school, but outside of school hours, competition from digital leisure activities is very strong. Even if educational interventions are effective, it is inferred that it is necessary to offer attractive spaces for active leisure so that young people continue to be active outside the classroom. The study has a representative sample and reliable measurements, allowing for solid conclusions to be drawn about the physical condition of Mallorcan adolescents. Among the limitations, the authors highlight that it would have been ideal to have the same sample in both periods and to expand the research to Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera to obtain a complete picture of the autonomous community.

Adolescence, a key stage

Carbonell, Cantallops, and Vidal Conti emphasize the need to repeat studies every ten years to evaluate the real impact of education and health policies. They also propose delving deeper into qualitative aspects, such as eating habits, reasons for dropping out of sports, and young people's preferred activities, as well as following participants into adulthood to verify the consolidation of healthy habits. The research offers a hopeful picture: Mallorcan teenagers breathe better, presumably have healthier hearts, and show an improvement in their physical condition, despite a slight increase in BMI. The challenge now is to ensure this trend continues and that physical activity remains a key element both inside and outside of school.