Guernsey extends healthier weight strategy to 2027 as obesity rates rise among children and pregnant women
- 59.1% of pregnant women and 57.4% of adults in Guernsey are living with overweight and obesity, with childhood excess weight rising from 17.1% in Year 1 to 31.7% in Year 5
- Only 37.7% of adults meet recommended physical activity levels, and just 25% of students in Years 6, 8 and 10 eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily
- Primary school active travel rates increased by 10% to 58% and secondary rates rose to 43%, with 1,023 children participating in Growing Gang vegetable growing programmes
- New digital Oviva weight management programme enrolled 141 people with average weight loss of 2.5kg at 12 weeks, whilst Counterweight Plus achieved average 10.7kg loss at 12 months
- Healthier Weight Strategy extended to 2027 with Tier 3 adult weight management service including GLP-1 medication to launch in 2026 for approximately 360 patients
The Bailiwick of Guernsey has extended its Healthier Weight Strategy to 2027 amid growing concerns about obesity rates, with new figures revealing that nearly 60% of pregnant women and over half of adults are living with excess weight.
Deputy George Oswald, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, presented the annual report showing that 59.1% of pregnant women in Guernsey are living with overweight and obesity, up from 48.5% in 2017. Among the general adult population, 57.4% have excess weight, with 34.0% living with overweight and 23.4% living with obesity.
Childhood obesity rates are also rising. The 2025 Guernsey Child Measurement Programme found that 17.1% of measured children in Year 1 had excess weight, rising to 31.7% in Year 5.
"The Healthier Weight Strategy recognises that weight and health are shaped by far more than individual choice. Where we live, learn, work and socialise has a powerful influence on our everyday behaviours and our individual susceptibility to ill health. The Strategy takes a whole-system approach, focusing on shaping environments, services and social norms so that healthier behaviours become easier and more accessible for everyone," Deputy Oswald stated.
Among pregnant women referred to the antenatal weight management service, the average BMI has reached 36.4 kg/m², indicating severe obesity. However, engagement with the service remains low, with only 20% of the 45 women referred in 2025 choosing to participate, suggesting significant barriers to access.
Physical activity levels across the population remain below recommended guidelines. Only 37.7% of adults reported doing physical activity for 30 minutes or more on five days or more per week, according to the 2023 Wellbeing Survey. The survey found particular concerns among older adults, with the lowest activity levels seen in the 75-plus age category.
Among young people, the 2022 Young People Survey showed that 61% of school students self-reported doing 60 minutes of physical activity on four or more days per week. However, only 25% of students in Years 6, 8 and 10 reported eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables on the previous day, significantly below national recommendations.
Despite these challenges, the report documented significant progress across three strategic pillars: creating conditions for healthy eating, creating conditions for physical activity, and weight management services.
In early years nutrition, UK experts Sean Cowden from the London Early Years Foundation and Dayna Brackley from Bremner & Co delivered training to seven chefs from five early years settings. Five early years settings across Guernsey and Alderney received the Healthy Schools Award in 2025, impacting approximately 2,500 children aged 0-5.
The Health Improvement Commission developed practitioner-led resources for food-free birthday celebrations that could benefit around 2,500 children annually. This initiative can reduce added sugar intake by approximately 600g per child per year in a class of 20.
The Growing Gang programme provided seeds and compost to 27 settings, including three in Alderney, enabling 1,023 children to plant, nurture and taste vegetables. A total of 107 packets of seeds were distributed across participating settings.
The Commission collaborated with the University of Cambridge's Centre for Diet and Activity Research to map the local food system. The public-friendly version was presented at the West and North Shows in 2025, generating community feedback that identified common solution themes.
Active travel initiatives showed substantial improvements, with primary school active travel rates increasing by 10% from 48% in October 2024 to 58% in October 2025. Secondary school active travel rates increased from 37% to 43% over the same period.
However, gender disparities in cycling remain pronounced. While 37.5% of adults used cycling for transport in the last 12 months, women's cycling rates remain significantly lower, with 23.3% reporting cycling for transport in the last four weeks compared to 34.3% of men.
The Commission continued Bikeability support in all primary schools, introduced a learn-to-cycle after school club, and provided cycle training to 12 children in Alderney. Availability of adult cycle confidence sessions increased in 2025, with 37 riders receiving training who otherwise lacked confidence to cycle on roads.
The Commission secured funding from the Community Foundation to establish the Retirement in Action (REACT) programme in Guernsey, addressing lower activity levels among adults aged 75-plus. Seven instructors were trained, with the programme launching early in 2026.
A Special Interest Group developed Physical Activity Prescription Cards, which were launched in 2025 with 1,599 distributed by the end of the year. Five private sector businesses worked with the Commission in 2025 to promote physical activity in the workplace.
The new Active Spectators campaign aimed to encourage parents and carers to use waiting time to move more. Two static bikes were installed at Beau Sejour overlooking the swimming pool and were used for 152 hours in 2025. Fitness sessions were organised at Footes Lane for parents whose children played hockey or rugby.
A community Beach Box was trialled at Vazon over summer, containing donated sports equipment to encourage families to be active on the beach. Two balance bike libraries were established at Sausmarez Park and Beau Sejour, recording 510 usages over an eight-week trial.
Data from 2024 using wearable Moki wrist bands showed that 62% of children do 30 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity in the school day, with local children 23% more active than the UK average for schools using Moki technology.
Weight management services expanded significantly in 2025. The 12-week digital Oviva Programme was introduced in December 2024, providing flexible delivery via app or telephone. Between December 2024 and January 2026, the programme received 225 referrals, with 141 people enrolling and 130 engaging with a coach. Average weight change among those engaged was -2.62% (-2.5kg) at 12 weeks. Eligibility was widened from BMI greater than 30 to BMI greater than 25 in December 2025.
Staffing constraints within dietetics for much of 2025 meant the face-to-face Adult Weight Management Service functioned at reduced capacity until December 2025. The service received 88 referrals, of which 39 were redirected to Oviva. From those not directed to Oviva, 34 individuals took up support with a dietitian, representing an 81% uptake rate.
Between 2020 and 2025, the Counterweight Plus programme received 68 appropriate referrals and supported 34 individuals. The average weight loss at 12 months was -10.7kg. Associated health outcomes included remission of type 2 diabetes, meeting pre-surgical weight targets, remission of sleep apnoea, improvements to respiratory function, reduction in intracranial pressure, and reduction in musculoskeletal pain.
In 2025, three dietitians completed training to launch a Type 2 Diabetes remission group in Guernsey. NHS data shows that 32% of those who complete similar programmes achieve remission of diabetes at 12 months.
Collaborative work continued to develop a digitally delivered Tier 3 adult weight management service, including prescribing of GLP-1 medication where appropriate. Significant progress was made on programme design, including eligibility criteria, service specifications, and financial, pharmacy, procurement and data protection processes. The two-year pilot scheme is estimated to be available to approximately 360 local patients, starting in 2026.
Breastfeeding support also expanded. Data from Guernsey Maternity Services for 2025 showed that 71% of infants received breastmilk as their first feed, 79% received breastmilk in the first 48 hours of life, 47% were exclusively fed breastmilk at discharge from hospital, and 26% were partially breastfed at discharge.
The Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme expanded to 33 businesses across Guernsey and Herm, with 16 signing up during 2025. Participating businesses display pink stickers signalling commitment to providing supportive environments for breastfeeding families.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, three HENRY (Healthy Exercise and Nutrition in the Really Young) groups were facilitated at the Kindred Centre involving 12 parents and carers. Two additional staff attended facilitator training. Improvements included increased intake of fruits and vegetables and physical activity amongst children.
The Healthier Lifestyle Clinic provides specialist support for children and young people. In 2025, the service received 37 referrals from Primary Care, Medical Specialist Group, HSC services and self-referral. Of these, 23 families received support from the clinic.
One action remains rated as red: providing training and support for health professionals in relation to weight management. This was not progressed during 2025 due to reduced capacity within the Adult Weight Management Service. Capacity has since been restored, and mitigation measures, including the digital Tier 2 offer, helped ensure continued access to support.
Looking ahead to 2026, priorities include a Primary School Lunchbox survey to understand current patterns, vegetable exposure initiatives in all nurseries and preschools, and scoping work for fruit and vegetable vouchers. Physical activity priorities include delivery and potential expansion of the REACT programme, expanding the Active Spectators project, and particular focus on engaging with girls in secondary schools.
Weight management priorities include extension of the Oviva programme referral period past February 2026, launch of the Tier 3 Adult Weight Management Service two-year pilot, review of the Counterweight Plus programme at end of 2026, and strengthening of pathways to weight management services pre- and post-natally.
The Healthier Weight Strategy was originally due to conclude in 2025 but has been extended to 2027 due to resource constraints within Public Health Services. A new strategy is envisioned to be implemented in 2028. Despite one red-rated action, overall progress across all three pillars was rated green for 2025.
The Healthier Weight Technical Team is a multidisciplinary team overseeing strategy implementation, including representation from Health & Social Care, the Health Improvement Commission, Education, Sport and Culture, Experts by Experience, the Medical Specialist Group and Primary Care. The strategy takes a whole-system approach, recognising that weight and health are shaped by where people live, learn, work and socialise, and actively works to reduce weight-related stigma.
Ellie Gould, Healthier Weight Lead at the Health Improvement Commission, said: "This report highlights the continued impact of partnership working to enhance the health of islanders. Co-creating healthier environments where children and young people can eat well and engage in physical activity both supports health from the start and aids development of healthier behaviours for life."
Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Public Health, said: "The report demonstrates the importance of a whole-system approach to improving health. While there has been clear progress, this work requires long term commitment and collaboration. We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Health Improvement Commission and others, and we remain focused on building on these strong foundations as we look ahead to the next phase of the Strategy."
The Healthier Weight Strategy 2025 Annual Report is available here.
Q&A
Q: What percentage of pregnant women in Guernsey are living with overweight and obesity?
A: 59.1% of pregnant women in Guernsey are living with overweight and obesity, up from 48.5% in 2017. Among those referred to the antenatal weight management service, the average BMI is 36.4 kg/m².
Q: How successful has the new Oviva digital weight management programme been?
A: Between December 2024 and January 2026, the Oviva programme received 225 referrals, with 141 people enrolling (62.7%) and 130 engaging with a coach (57.8% uptake). The average weight change among those engaged was -2.62% (-2.5kg) at 12 weeks. Eligibility was widened from BMI greater than 30 to BMI greater than 25 in December 2025.
Q: Why has the Healthier Weight Strategy been extended to 2027?
A: The strategy was originally due to conclude in 2025 but has been extended to 2027 due to resource constraints within Public Health Services. A new strategy is envisioned to be implemented in 2028. The current strategy remains a live document with priority concerns and actions to be updated as required.
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