Ayrshire has seen a decrease in primary one pupils who are considered to be of a healthy weight.
Figures released by Public Health Scotland revealed that, in the 2023-24 school year, the proportion of school children in primary one who are considered to be a healthy weight fell by 1.6 per cent to 75.5 per cent.
Across the county, more than 3,000 primary one pupils had their measurements taken to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI).
Both the percentage of children in primary one at risk of being underweight and those at risk of being overweight or at risk of obesity increased last year.
Just one per cent of children were at risk of being underweight – up by 0.1 per cent on the previous year.
In total, 23.6 per cent of children were at risk of being overweight or at risk of obesity – up by 1.4 per cent.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran have said that the proportion of children who are a healthy weight in the region has fluctuated since figures were first recorded in 2007-08.
Across Ayrshire, the proportion varied with 75.8 per cent of P1s in East Ayrshire considered of a healthy weight compared with 74.8 per cent in North Ayrshire and 75.9 per cent in South Ayrshire.
In South Ayrshire, 1.3 per cent of P1s were considered to be at risk of being underweight while 22.8 per cent were at risk of being overweight or at risk of obesity.
North Ayrshire was similar with 1.3 per cent of P1s at risk of being underweight while 23.9 per cent were at risk of being overweight or at risk of obesity.
In East Ayrshire, just 0.3 per cent of P1s were at risk of being underweight while 23.9 per cent were at risk of being overweight or at risk of obesity.
Lynne McNiven, director of public health at NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: “The proportion of primary one school age children in Ayrshire and Arran who are a healthy weight has fluctuated annually since 2007-08. The latest data from Public Health Scotland shows that in 2023-24, the percentage of primary one children who had a healthy weight reduced to 75.5 per cent compared to 77.1 per cent the previous year.
“NHS Ayrshire and Arran continue to work with partners to drive forward a range of initiatives to help families achieve and maintain a healthy weight such as, increasing breastfeeding rates by offering mother to mother support alongside our core midwifery and health visiting services; providing practical support for families with
young children on healthier food and drinks choices in the earliest years; encouraging more people to cycle and walk to school and work; and increasing access to affordable healthier foods through community larders across Ayrshire.
“In addition, children in Ayrshire and Arran, aged 5-17 years, who are above a healthy weight can be referred to Jumpstart – a child healthy lifestyle programme which aims to provide support to families on healthy eating, being more physically active and reducing sedentary time in a fun engaging way.
“Children aged 2-4 years who are above a healthy weight can be referred to Jumpstart Tots which is tailored for younger children. Sessions are planned to suit each individual family’s needs and include a range of topics such as healthy meal, drink and snack ideas, useful cooking tips, help with meal planning and active play ideas.”
A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council added: “From early years onwards, East Ayrshire Council is committed to ensuring that children who attend our educational facilities learn about the importance of healthy eating and exercise for physical and mental wellbeing.
“Free school meals for P1’s provide a well-balanced and nutritional meal at lunchtime and fruit is available as a snack. In addition to water, milk dispensers are available in every primary school, providing a healthy option.
“Within class there is active learning and outdoor learning throughout the day, and dedicated PE time. There is also an active travel initiative, Shoot to Saturn, which encourages all ECC’s and primary schools to make their journey to school an active one.”
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “South Ayrshire Council is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all of our children and young people, and are dedicated to continuing our efforts to ensure every child has the opportunity to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
“In line with statutory requirements, all of our schools ensure that pupils receive a minimum of two hours of high-quality physical education each week. This is complemented by a wide range of lunchtime and afterschool clubs and activities, developed in partnership with local community groups and sports organisations, to encourage physical activity and engagement beyond the classroom.
“Additionally, our schools are delivering a comprehensive Health and Wellbeing curriculum, which focuses not only on physical health, but also on mental and emotional wellbeing. This curriculum empowers children to make informed choices about nutrition, exercise, and their overall health.”
North Ayrshire Council was contacted for comment.
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