Written Answer

Data on Childhood Obesity Rates by Age Group, Ethnicity and Social Income, and Enhancing Measures to Prevent and Reduce Childhood Obesity

14 October 2025 · Ministry of Health

Speakers

Choo Pei Ling Ong Ye Kung (Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health)

Summary

This question concerns Dr Choo Pei Ling’s inquiry into childhood obesity rates by age, ethnicity, and income, and plans for enhanced prevention measures. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung stated that 13% of students across primary, secondary, and pre-university levels are currently overweight or severely overweight. He highlighted the Grow Well SG strategy, which promotes nutrition and physical activity through lifestyle prescriptions for students and resources for parents. These efforts are supported by the Healthy Meals in Schools and MOVE IT programmes, alongside Ministry of Education Physical Education lessons. Furthermore, the KidSTART initiative provides targeted support for families with fewer resources to promote healthy habits during early childhood development.

Transcript

24 Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what are the rates of obesity for children (i) under the age of seven, (ii) between seven and 12 and (iii) between 12 and 18; (b) whether there are differences in childhood obesity rates due to ethnicity or social income; and (c) whether the Ministry has any further plan to enhance targeted measures to prevent and reduce childhood obesity.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Based on current available data, in 2024, the proportion of children who are overweight and severely overweight, those with body mass index (BMI)-for-age at or above 90th percentile¹, across primary, secondary and pre-university levels is 13%.

The Government continues to monitor the data on obesity for children and have efforts in place to address this issue. This includes Grow Well SG which promotes good nutrition, sleep, screen use and physical activity. Doing these well can help children maintain a healthy weight. Under this strategy, we engage students through lifestyle prescriptions to raise awareness and drive behaviour change. We also support parents with resources and practical tips to cultivate good habits in their children.

Grow Well SG complements initiatives, such as the Health Promotion Board's Healthy Meals in Schools Programme and MOVE IT programmes, and the Ministry of Education's Physical Education lessons to offer a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention. Initiatives such as KidSTART also provide further support to families with fewer resources in early childhood development.