Primary One kids winning obesity battle

West Lothian looks to be winning the war on childhood obesity.

The most recentlyreleased figures show that of the 2061 primary one pupils from last year who were measured, 412 were at risk of being overweight or obese.

And the Public Health Scotland figures sit well compared to national statistics which show across Scotland, 22.8 per cent of P1 pupils were at risk of being overweight or obese while just one per cent were at risk of being underweight.

Reference height and weight measurements were taken from 2061 pupils in the 2019-20 school year and 412 were found to have a BMI higher than expected for their age.

This has dropped over the last five years.

During the period 2018/2019, 441 pupils were at risk of being overweight or obese (21.4 per cent), in 2017/2018, it was 479 (23.7) and in the period 2016/2017 346 pupils were at risk (22.9).

The number of primary one pupils at risk of being underweight in the period 2019/2020 was 20, or one per cent.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said the causes of childhood obesity, poverty and homelessness are often “complex and varied”.

He continued:“This can include a wide range of factors, most of which are out-with the control of the council.

“However the council provide a number of valuable services that aim to support local families and communities.

“For example, all West Lothian schools and early years centres ensure pupils receive an appropriate level of exercise and physical activity as part of the curriculum, as well as offering a nutritionally balanced school menu.”