Healthy Weight
Children living with obesity are more likely to be ill, to be absent from school due to illness, experience health-related limitations and require more medical care than children of a healthy weight. Health is not the only issue. Research (Rankin and others, 2016; Hill, 2017; Griffiths and others, 2010; Palad and others, 2019) has shown that children living with obesity are also impacted by emotional and social issues, such as:
poorer emotional wellbeing
being at a higher risk of depression
developing an eating disorder in older children
lower body image and self-esteem
teasing or bullying
behavioural problems
avoidance of active play or learning opportunities in school sport and PE
This can impact a child's time at school including:
attendance, as they may need to miss school for medical appointments or treatment
learning and academic achievement
sleep (sleep-deprived children are less likely to perform well academically)
It can also affect staff training and expertise because staff may need to provide extra support to children with health problems to ensure they manage their condition during the school day.
However, it's important to note that many children living with obesity:
are psychologically well
have high self-esteem
do not suffer major depression
You can find more information about the evidence for this in the guidance The link between pupil health and wellbeing and attainment.
For more information on how school and public health nursing teams can help, see 'School-aged years high impact area 3: supporting healthy lifestyles' in the guidance Supporting public health: children, young people and families.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's Voice matters project has found that children and young people may themselves recognise the benefits of being a healthy weight and having healthy teeth and gums. And some know that they need help to make healthy choices to stay healthy, happy and well.
National Child Measurement Programme: information for schools 2025 - GOV.UK
Resources to encourage healthy eating
NHS Food Scanner app: teaching resources to help pupils explore what is in their food and drink, and swap unhealthy foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. It enables healthier choices as part of wider lessons on healthy eating. The app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.
Healthy Steps - guidance for schools: guidance for schools to support a 'whole school approach' to healthy eating and supporting families. You will need to sign in or register to view this resource.
Standards for school food in England: DfE guidance on the standards for planning and providing food in schools.
School food standards: resources for schools: DfE resources to help schools plan and provide healthy food in schools. Includes the guidance 'Creating a culture and ethos of healthy eating', which supports pupils to learn how to keep themselves healthy and make informed choices about healthy eating and fitness.
Free school meals: guidance for schools and local authorities: guidance for schools and local authorities about providing school meals including information on free school meal eligibility.
The Eatwell Guide: summarises government recommendations on eating healthily and achieving a balanced diet.
Let's Get Cooking: a hub of information about providing healthy children's food offering 15 training courses for schools and caterers related to improving food for children.
Connects-food: a resource to support primary schools develop a 'whole school approach' to food.
