The times they are a changin' for the young.

• Position: Demographics

U.S. adults between ages 18-24 are more racially and ethnically diverse, more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, and less likely to smoke than previous generations, according to a report by the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics. However, young adults have more student debt than generations past, earn less than their counterparts in the year 2000, and more than one in five is obese.

The report includes data from nationally representative, federally sponsored surveys, summarized under five key themes: education; economic circumstances; family formation; civic, social, and personal behavior; and health and safety.

"This report is a rich snapshot of the health, education, and well-being of America's young adults," says Evelyn Kappeler, director of the Office of Adolescent Health. "Overall, we cheer the gains being made in education, but also note the need to address health concerns such as the smoking, obesity, and depression levels among this population."

The findings indicate:

* Approximately 522,000 young adults are serving on active duty in the armed forces.

* The overall college enrollment rate for 18- to 24-year-olds has increased from 26% in 1980 to 41%...