Adolescence is a time of significant physical and emotional change that requires tailored health approaches. Historically, the world has lacked comprehensive indicators for adolescent health. This has been a critical gap since advancing an agenda for adolescent well-being demands timely and robust data for effective advocacy, policy development and programme monitoring. The indicators recommended by the Global Action for Measurement of Adolescent health (GAMA) offer a framework to guide global efforts to improve adolescent health. The indicators span a range of adolescent health issues, including physical health, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and social well-being. Use of these indicators will improve the health and well-being of adolescents and the prospects of future generations.