Millions of young people risk missing out on new treatments for health conditions and having to use medicines that are unsafe, ineffective or inappropriate because so few take part in medical research, experts have warned.
Data analysis by the Guardian reveals that members of gen Z – those born between the late 1990s and the early 2000s – are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials and health studies.
People aged 18 to 24 make up 8% of England’s population, but only 4.4% of those taking part in medical research.
Though less affected by life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease, young adults still experience a significant burden of disease. Almost half – 45% – of those aged 24 or under have a long-term physical or mental health condition.
Experts said the lack of young people participating in research would have a serious impact on their physical and mental health for decades unless urgent action was taken to reverse the trend.
Kirsty Blenkins, the deputy chief executive of the Association for Young People’s Health, said adults aged 24 and under faced “a distinct set of health challenges” that were often “shaped by major life transitions, social pressures and inequalities” that impacted their physical and mental wellbeing.
Their absence from clinical and health research projects had serious implications, she added.
“Treatments and interventions may be designed and tested primarily on older adults, which means they may not always be safe, effective, or appropriate for younger populations. This can lead to poorer health outcomes, delayed diagnosis, and reduced trust or engagement with healthcare systems.”
Source: The Guardian, 20 October 2025
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