Signs that unhealthy weight levels among older primary school pupils are falling

Thursday 04 April 2024

More than one in four 9 and 10 year olds have excess weight, latest figures show, but the rates are showing signs of falling.

Findings of the 2023 Guernsey Child Measurement Programme show how the levels of those overweight or with obesity rise as children go through primary school, with increasing evidence since 2020 that unhealthy excess weight is more pronounced among older boys than girls.

The key findings from the 90% of eligible children that took part were:

• In Year 1, 82.4% were found to have a healthy weight status, in Year 5s it was 72.1%.
• In Year 1, 16.3% (around one in six) of measured children were found to have excess weight; 8.8% with overweight and 7.5% with obesity.
• In Year 5, 25.9% (around one in four) of measured children were found to have excess weight; 11.4% with overweight and 14.5% with obesity.
•  1,152 children were measured and 246 children were found to have overweight or obesity across the two year groups.
• There is not currently strong statistical evidence for any directional change in the levels of excess weight among children in Year 1.
• There is moderate-to-strong evidence for a reduction in the levels of excess weight among children in Year 5.

"While the absolute levels of excess weight among primary school-aged children are still concerning, the change over time — or rather the stabilisation and reduction over time which we are now seeing —is a positive sign," said Jenny Cataroche, Head of Health Intelligence.

"When fewer children live with excess weight it means fewer children will be at risk of conditions that could negatively affect their health."

Once established, reversing obesity can be difficult. Experts in England say that some 60% to 85% of children with obesity remain obese in adulthood, increasing their risks of future ill-health.

Guernsey's Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said: "Stabilisation is the first step towards the goal of having more of our young people living healthier, active lives. If sustained in the medium-to-long term this change will have significant positive effects on both our population and our health system."

Studies in England have shown the links between deprivation and unhealthy weight.

There are no direct measures of deprivation in Guernsey, but the report uses school fee status as the nearest marker.

This shows that there is strong statistical evidence that Year 5 children attending non-fee paying schools have a higher proportion of unhealthy excess weight than children at fee paying schools - a gap that is widening.

The measurement programme began in 2013, the only year it did not take place was in 2021 because the Bailiwick was in lockdown.

Dr Simon Sebire, Chief Executive of the Health Improvement Commission, said the recent findings are very encouraging.

"Childhood overweight and obesity are linked to a range of physical and mental health conditions as well as a higher likelihood of having excess weight as an adult.

"The drivers of body weight are complex, and we know that some people are more susceptible to developing obesity than others."

To maintain or improve on the current trends the Bailiwick a range of preventative actions were needed, he said, including creating a better, healthier food environment and enabling regular physical activity.

Direct comparison with England and Jersey is made harder because the island measures children at different ages.

But the proportion of children in Guernsey with unhealthy excess weight in Year One is consistently and notable below both jurisdictions' reception aged pupils, who are one year younger.