Childhood obesity trends split by age as younger pupils improve but teens stall

The number of overweight children in schools has shifted over the past 15 years, with mixed results across different age groups. While younger pupils show improvement, older students face persistent or worsening trends. New figures from 2025 reveal both progress and ongoing challenges in tackling childhood obesity.

In primary schools, the proportion of overweight children has dropped from 15.8 percent in 2010 to 11.1 percent in 2025. This decline marks an overall reduction of 1.3 percentage points across all school levels. However, the picture varies by region, with differences of up to six percentage points among primary pupils.

For middle school students, early improvements have stalled. After an initial fall, the rate climbed back to 18.6 percent by 2025. Meanwhile, upper secondary school figures have remained unchanged at 20.9 percent since 2010—though regional gaps here exceed eight percentage points.

Disparities also appear when considering family background. Children whose parents lack post-compulsory education are over three times more likely to be overweight. Similarly, pupils without a Swiss passport show significantly higher rates than their Swiss classmates.

Health Promotion Switzerland has rolled out initiatives like Friendly School, mfe-Coaching (a mindfulness and exercise programme for teens), and Friendly Workplace. The organisation has also pushed for better school nutrition and more physical activity in lessons. Yet, limited public data exists on whether these efforts have reversed weight trends among older secondary students.

The latest data highlights uneven progress in reducing childhood obesity. Primary schools report clear gains, but middle and upper secondary levels see stagnation or increases. Authorities stress that targeted support for disadvantaged families remains critical to addressing the issue effectively.