Childhood obesity among preschoolers back to pre-COVID levels - Saxony-Anhalt's preschool obesity rates return to pre-pandemic levels by 2026

Obesity rates among preschoolers in Saxony-Anhalt have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels, with 6.1% of children classified as obese in the 2025/2026 school entry exams. This follows a peak of around 8% during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions disrupted daily routines and contributed to changes in eating habits, including more snacking and less balanced meals.

Before the pandemic, in 2018, roughly 6.0% of preschool-aged children in Saxony-Anhalt were obese. The figure climbed sharply as lockdowns limited sports, outdoor play, and structured physical activities, leading to an increase in obesity rates.

Other German states took action to tackle childhood obesity after the pandemic. Bavaria expanded its Kinder stark machen programme in 2021, adding more movement-based activities in daycare centres. North Rhine-Westphalia updated its LogoS initiative in 2022, introducing nutrition checks and diabetes prevention measures. Baden-Württemberg launched Fit für die Schule in 2023, which includes early screenings for heart and circulatory risks.

These programmes focus on early detection, family counselling, and promoting healthier lifestyles in daycare settings, aiming to reduce long-term health risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in young children.

The latest figures mark a return to the obesity levels seen before 2020. Health officials in Saxony-Anhalt have not yet detailed specific local measures behind the improvement. Meanwhile, expanded prevention programmes in other states continue to target early childhood health through structured exercise and nutrition guidance.