Swiss Study Reveals Troubling trends in Childhood Nutrition & Rising Breastfeeding rates
A new pair of surveys released November 13, 2025, paint a complex picture of the health of young people in Switzerland, revealing a concerning reliance on sugary snacks and drinks alongside positive shifts in infant feeding practices. The findings, commissioned by the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO) and the OSAV, provide the first complete, representative data on the dietary habits of children and adolescents within the country.
Understanding Swiss Childhood Diets
For years,public health officials and researchers have lacked specific data on the eating patterns of Switzerland’s youth,forcing them to rely on studies from other nations. This gap in knowledge hindered the development of targeted nutritional guidance. The newly released “menuCH-Kids” investigation addresses this issue, analyzing data from 1,852 girls and boys aged 6 to 17.
The study indicates that, on average, children and adolescents are meeting recommended daily intakes of macronutrients like carbohydrates and fiber. However, protein consumption is notably high, particularly among teenage boys, and fat intake hovers at the upper end of recommended levels. A more alarming trend is the low consumption of fruits and vegetables, contrasted with a high intake of meat.
“Snacks and sugary drinks are consumed frequently and in important quantities,” according to the report, highlighting a key area of concern. This dietary pattern contributes to a worrying statistic: approximately 13% of young people aged 6 to 17 are classified as overweight or obese – significant risk factors for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Further, 10% of this age group exhibit blood values indicating an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Implications for Public Health
These findings are poised to inform the development of tailored nutritional recommendations for children and adolescents in Switzerland. The data will also be instrumental in assessing potential exposure to food contaminants, such as lead and arsenic, and facilitating international comparisons. Future research will likely build upon these results to explore emerging concerns like the impact of ultra-processed foods and nutrient deficiencies.
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Positive Trends in Infant Feeding
Alongside the challenges in childhood nutrition, the latest Swiss Infant Feeding Study, conducted every ten years by the OSAV, reveals encouraging progress in infant feeding practices. The study,based on a survey of 1,269 mothers of babies aged 3 to 12 months,demonstrates a growing adherence to recommended guidelines.
Compared to the previous survey conducted a decade ago, there has been a marked increase in both the duration and frequency of breastfeeding. A greater proportion of infants are now exclusively breastfed for the first four months of life, and the practice of mixed breastfeeding (combining breast milk and formula) is also becoming more common. The introduction of complementary foods, like cooked vegetables, remains consistent with previous recommendations, typically occurring between the fifth and seventh months.
The study also considered factors beyond breastfeeding, including babies’ overall health, mothers’ physical and mental well-being, and the challenges of breastfeeding in the workplace. These insights will allow the Confederation to provide more targeted details and
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: The surveys were commissioned to address a lack of specific data on Swiss youth dietary habits and infant feeding
