Similar to other developed nations, the Finnish population is becoming a more sedentary and physically less active one with notable health consequences.

• In 2008, 77% of all men and 74% of all women (between the ages 15-25) reportedly exercized two to three times per week
• Still, 20% of all men and 17% of all women are considered overweight
• And 6-10% of pre-primary education students are considered overweight

The most recent school Health Promotion Survey 2008 reveals health habits and perceptions among Finnish teenagers.

Adolescence is the period during which most young Finns experience their first encounter with alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

Finns reportedly get drunk more often than other Europeans, even though they drink alcohol less frequently. Finnish teens’ first episode of drunkenness, on average, is at thirteen to fourteen years old, for both boys and girls.

• 20% of young people report getting drunk almost every week.
• 45% of 15-16 year-olds are reported to have been drunk in the previous twelve months.
• Drug use in Finland is also in decline.
• Among 16-18 year-olds in 2005, 7% of boys and 6% of girls experimented with drugs, most commonly with marijuana.
• On average, girls reach sexual maturity shortly before age thirteen.
  Boys follow one to two years later.
• Unwanted teenage pregnancies are not common.
• 19% of 8th and 9th graders in comprehensive schools complain they
  received inadequate information in health courses on topics related to sexual health.