Childhood obesity is increasing in Iceland, with rural areas facing a more significant problem than the capital Reykjavík. According to Iceland’s annual report on schoolchildren’s healthcare for 2025, the proportion of obese children has surpassed 10%. In comparison, the rate was 6.5% in 2014. Health professionals are therefore developing programs aimed at helping children and their families change daily habits and slow this concerning trend.
Childhood obesity on the rise in Iceland
The latest figures highlight that childhood obesity is becoming a serious public health challenge in Iceland. Whereas just 6.5% of children were classified as obese in 2014, the rate for 2025 now exceeds 10%.
In rural areas, roughly 10% of school-aged children are obese. In southern Iceland alone, available data points to around 400 affected children.
Globally, approximately 8% of children are classified as obese. Iceland’s numbers therefore draw attention to a growing concern that requires ongoing focus from healthcare providers, schools, and families alike.
Why is the situation worse outside Reykjavík?
The differences between Reykjavík and rural regions underscore the importance of looking beyond overall statistics to the environments in which children are raised. However, available data on its own does not explain exactly why obesity is more prevalent in rural areas.
Many factors contribute to childhood obesity, including diet, physical activity habits, family environment, and other health or social circumstances. Without more detailed analysis, it’s impossible to attribute regional differences to a single cause.
Supporting healthy lifestyles from an early age is crucial. Regular physical activity does not have to mean competitive sports—even everyday activities that become part of a regular routine are beneficial. For more about physical activity, see the article: “The Benefits of Cycling: You Don’t Need to Be a Pro to Be Healthier.”
How is childhood obesity assessed?
Children’s body weight is evaluated using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
However, BMI is not interpreted for children in the same way as for adults; both age and comparison to peers of the same gender are factored in. According to Icelandic guidelines, being overweight is defined as having a BMI greater than 90% of peers, while obesity corresponds to a BMI higher than 97% of peers.
The number on the scale alone is not enough to determine a child’s health status. This assessment is ultimately made by healthcare professionals, who also consider growth, development, and other medical factors.
Obesity can lead to serious health complications
Childhood obesity is not just a matter of weight. It can be associated with metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure.
Bjarnheidur Bödvarsdóttir, coordinator of a program for children at risk of obesity, warns that obese children are more likely to face these problems into adulthood as well. Later in life, cardiovascular diseases can also develop.
Experts therefore emphasize the importance of early intervention. The goal should not be to shame or pressure the child, but to create healthier conditions for the whole family.
More information on prevention, exercise, and healthy lifestyles can be found in the Health section.
The Strong Kids program helps families change habits
Iceland has launched the Kraftmiklir krakkar (“Strong Kids”) program, which aims to at least slow the rise in childhood obesity rates and offer support to children and their families through primary healthcare.
Results so far suggest that children participating in the program have gained weight more slowly. Some daily habits and blood test results have also improved.
This family-oriented approach aims to address the problem over the long term, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than temporary fixes.
Long-term prevention is key
The rising proportion of obese children shows that Iceland will need to continue monitoring the health of schoolchildren and developing preventive initiatives. Rural areas, where the issue is especially pronounced, deserve special attention.
The success of these efforts will also depend on whether families can access professional support and integrate healthy habits naturally into children’s daily routines.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
