Millennials are on track to become the first generation to suffer worse health than their parents when they reach middle age, a study has warned.

People in their 20s and 30s will have a higher risk of “lifestyle” diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart disease in 30 years’ time because of their employment, relationships and housing, it says.

The trend is linked to long-term stress, anxiety, depression or lower quality of life, the report by the Health Foundation think tank says.

Millennials have been confirmed as the first to earn less than their parents’ generation. The report says that this may have health consequences because trends such as graduates taking non-graduate jobs, zero-hours contracts and the “gig” economy can reduce wellbeing.

It points to