Obesity in Guernsey needs 'whole systems approach'

Obesity in Guernsey needs a "whole systems approach," a report into the issue has said.

Figures for last year in the Healthier Weight Strategy, which is delivered by Public Health Services and the Health Improvement Commission, show more than 57% of adults in the Bailiwick of Guernsey are estimated to be overweight (34%) or obese (23.4%).

"We know obesity is a complex public health challenge," said Ellie Gould, healthier weight lead and dietician, who stressed "we can all play our part".

She said "it needs to be looked at in a whole systems approach and that's very much the view the strategy aims to take" with a three-tier approach across weight management, movement and healthier eating.

Guernsey's Healthier Weight Strategy, which has been running since 2023 and has now been extended until 2027, aims to reduce obesity figures, making it easier for adults and children to live healthier lifestyles.

Its annual report said progress was being made in communities and services, but showed just 25% of students in Year 6, 8 and 10 were eating enough fruit and vegetables when surveyed.

It also noted almost a third of Year 5 children in Guernsey were living with excess weight last year.

Gould said the numbers posed a "good public health question" and stressed the need for healthy options, including fruits and vegetables to be more accessible for all.

Asked about the figures relating to adult obesity, she said: "We know the majority of adults now do live with overweight or obesity so it impacts everybody we know.

"It really does have a big impact."

She said the Healthier Weight Strategy focussed on expanding adult weight management services in 2025, looking at a digital 12-week programme and continually developing its weight management service.

The strategy lead also noted a number of ways support was available for families of young children via the plan, from visiting services to clinic support.

Improvements noted in the report include strengthened nutrition support in early years, continued whole-school approaches to healthy eating and expanded opportunities for people of all ages to be active through schools, work and healthcare.

Gould said: "We are encouraged by the progress made across education, community settings, and healthcare, and thank all the organisations and individuals that contribute to making healthier living easier in the bailiwick."

Alex Hawkins-Drew, associate director of public health, said the report as a whole showed "clear progress" on improving the health and weight of islanders, but it "requires long-term commitment and collaboration".

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