In Kazakhstan, 23.2% of children aged 5–9 are overweight. The statistics were discussed at the Salamatty Mektep Forum in Astana, El.kz reports.
What the figures show
Data for 2024 indicate that nearly one in four primary school-age children weighs more than is considered healthy. The issue was one of the central topics at the forum, as it is a growing concern for both medical professionals and government officials.
Experts link the problem to fast food, sugary drinks and irregular eating habits. Among adolescents, 66.6% consume sugary drinks at least once a week.
As many as 14.4% of schoolchildren in this age group consume such drinks every day.
The health risks of excess weight
According to the Ministry of Health, 1,104 cases of type 2 diabetes were recorded among children and adolescents under the age of 18 in 2025. Some of these were newly diagnosed cases, meaning the condition was identified during a medical consultation rather than at an earlier stage.
Doctors warn that obesity increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. This makes school age a particularly important period for identifying risk factors and taking preventive action.
A similar pattern can be observed in dental health. During the first half of 2026, healthcare professionals identified over 80,000 cases of dental caries among children.
What experts recommend
Experts believe that oversight of advertising for unhealthy food products should be strengthened, particularly in the digital environment, where adolescents are most likely to encounter such advertising.
The Ministry of Health states that Kazakhstan is focusing on the quality of school meals, access to sports and physical activity, and disease prevention.
Parents are advised to monitor their children’s diets and ensure they engage in regular physical activity. Doctors urge adults to foster healthy habits and assess potential health risk factors in a timely manner.
Healthcare professionals also warn of another risk. Shaming children, mocking them or discussing their body shape in front of others is strictly unacceptable.
Instead, adults should create a home environment in which healthy eating and physical activity become natural, comfortable and sustainable parts of a child’s daily routine.
