Roughly one quarter of boys and just under a fifth of girls in Finland were considered overweight or obese in 2023, according to a report by public health authority THL.
A child is considered to be overweight when their average age-standardised body mass index (BMI) is above 25.
"It is worrying that obesity-related diseases and other risk factors, such as cardiovascular risks, are being detected in children. In addition, obesity that begins in childhood often continues into adolescence and adulthood," THL's Development Manager, Päivi Mäki, wrote in a press release.
She added that overweight children may also experience bullying, which can have a detrimental impact on their mental well-being.
"It is important that the prevention of childhood obesity emphasises the benefits of health and well-being, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. We should act, talk and communicate about the issue in such a way that we do not increase the stigma associated with obesity and make the situation even more difficult for children and their parents," Mäki noted.
The proportion of children considered overweight or obese in Finland has not changed much in recent years, but the longer term outlook shows a worrying trend.
"The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and young people has increased two-to-three-fold in recent decades," Mäki said, adding that there are both individual and societal factors behind this phenomenon.
"Researchers are fairly unanimous that changes in children's eating habits are behind the development of obesity, so measures should be targeted at that area and there should be efforts to better promote healthy choices," she said.
Such measures should include restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods as well as increased taxes, Mäki suggested, while she also emphasised the need to clearly explain the nutritional value of food products on labels.
"Measures should be targeted specifically at helping all children and families with children to make healthy food choices," she said.
Differences between genders, regions
THL's report also revealed regional differences in the spread of overweight and obese children around the country, with Mäki noting that the prevalence was higher in more rural areas.
She noted that children's journeys to and from school can be long in rural areas, which means that the possibilities to travel on foot or by bike are more limited.
"There may also be fewer opportunities for hobbies," Mäki said.
In addition, higher rates of overweight and obese children, and adults, can be linked to the general educational level of an area.
Gender differences meanwhile can be explained by genetic and hormonal factors, metabolism, and lifestyle.
THL's report was compiled using height and weight data measured during health examinations carried out on children aged 2 to 16, with an estimated 57 percent of this demographic included in the study.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity among children and young people in Finland is at about the European average.
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