The report shows that around one in five children entering school are at risk of overweight or obesity, with significant inequalities persisting between the most and least deprived communities. Key findings include:
- In school year 2024/25, 24% of children were at risk of overweight or obesity, an increase from 22% in 2023/24.
- Children living in the most deprived areas were twice as likely to be at risk of obesity than those living in the least deprived areas.
Dr Mairi Stark, RCPCH Officer for Scotland said:
These confirm that childhood obesity remains a pressing public health challenge in Scotland. As clinicians, we know that obesity is not simply about individual choices; it is shaped by poverty, food environments, and opportunities for active play. Without addressing deprivation and inequality, efforts to improve nutrition and physical activity will fall short.
To change this trajectory, the Scottish Government must commit to sustained investment in nutritious food, accessible opportunities for physical activity, and community-based solutions that confront the everyday challenges families face, alongside a national commitment to end child poverty.
To ensure every child has the best possible start in life, we urge the Scottish Government to:
- Expand BMI data collection in primary schools to include additional age points, strengthening health surveillance and enabling timely, targeted interventions.
- Fund local authorities to maintain and expand access to sports and leisure facilities for children and young people, including safeguarding green spaces, swimming pools, and community leisure centres.
- Restrict the promotion of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, including measures to end unlimited refills of soft drinks.
- Commit to ending child poverty as a continued national priority, backed by ambitious targets, measurable outcomes, and sustained investment.