A rise in smoking and vaping among Luxembourg's youth is among the key findings of an OECD report that also praises the country's strong healthcare system and high life expectancy.

A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that while Luxembourg residents generally enjoy good health and a high life expectancy, the country faces challenges in areas such as smoking and dietary habits.

High life expectancy and health among older residents

The average life expectancy in Luxembourg is approximately 83 years, placing it among the highest in Europe, behind only Spain, Italy, and Malta. Residents over the age of 65 are also notably healthier compared to their peers in other European countries, according to the report.

Unhealthy habits persist

Despite these positive indicators, the report highlights several concerning trends.

Luxembourg has one of the highest smoking rates in Europe, with tobacco consumption rising in recent years. This contrasts sharply with practically all other European countries, where smoking is on the decline, except for Bulgaria. Additionally, Luxembourg ranks third in the consumption of vaping products, particularly among 15-to-24-year-olds. Luxembourg also ranks fourth in cannabis consumption among young people, trailing only Italy, Poland, and Bulgaria.

When it comes to alcohol, one particularly concerning statistic highlights that over 30% of adults in Luxembourg reported that they engage in "heavy episodic drinking," commonly known as binge drinking, at least once a month. Similarly high rates were recorded in Denmark and Romania. Adults in Luxembourg also eat less fruit on average compared to other Europeans.

Among adolescents, the OECD report notes higher consumption of sugary drinks, lower fruit intake, and reduced physical activity compared to other European nations.

Healthcare system praised

The report offers a positive assessment of Luxembourg's healthcare system, describing its coverage as "very good". Households in the Grand Duchy spend less on healthcare compared to those in other European countries.