This article explores the contradictions and complexities of young people's management of their health and wellbeing. It argues that it is important to understand how young people actively produce health outcomes, drawing substantially on themes developed in my recent book on young people and wellbeing (Wyn, 2009). The background to this discussion is the paradox that despite increasing levels of education (and wealth) young Australians' health in some areas is not improving, and in some areas (e.g. mental health, obesity) is worsening. (Contains 1 footnote.)