Some 14,000 children and teenagers were put on the scales during the 2019-2020 school year, with 17.1% of them recorded as overweight, the Swiss Health Promotion body said on Thursday.
Overweight in this case means a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25, the association said. Some 4.2% were obese, with a BMI over 30.
Overall the values were similar to previous measurements, although a significant difference was noted between boys and girls this time. This was especially clear in the 14- to 16-year-old category, where 26.8% of boys were overweight, compared with 21.8% of girls.
Risk factors
Various statistical factors contribute to the likelihood of being overweight, according to the data presented on Thursday.
Age is one of them. Between playschool and secondary school, the percentage of overweight children rises from 12% to 18%.
Children of non-Swiss parents are also more likely to be overweight than Swiss. The single biggest factor, however, is a lower level of education among the parents.
More
More
Obesity figures stabilise among Swiss kids
This content was published on
One in six schoolchildren (17.3%) was overweight or obese in Switzerland last year, a survey has revealed.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.