For better "measuring overweight and obesity", two deputies advocate a “measure-weigh in CE2” and also advocate that the three hours of PE in primary school be actually applied, according to the conclusions of their mission presented on Wednesday March 19, 2025. This flash mission on physical and sporting activity and the prevention of obesity in schools is surprised by the lack of recent data on childhood obesity at the national level, a large-scale study being expected for 2028. In order to improve monitoring, Christophe Proença (PS, Lot) and Frédérique Meunier (LR, Corrèze), wish to establish “a weighing-measurement of all CE2 pupils by a school nurse”.
“Integrating sports infrastructure and playgrounds into schools”
They also want "generalize" Physical capacity tests in middle schools, already being tested in some schools, and this while doctors are warning about the significant decline in children's respiratory capacity. At a global level, a study published in early March 2025 in the journal The Lancet estimates that without strong and immediate action from governments, an unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity will affect six in ten adults and one in three children and adolescents by 2050, burdening health systems. According to this study, which mentions "one of the greatest health challenges of the 21st century", youth obesity is expected to jump by 121% globally, with a total of 360 million obese children and adolescents by 2050. Among its recommendations, it prescribes among other things "to integrate sports infrastructure and playgrounds into schools".
Read alsoAgainst overweight, the right time to act
"Overweight affects twice as many children of workers as children of executives, obesity three times more."
The two deputies also call for the three hours of PE to be respected in primary schools. "If the three hours were already done, that would be great.", Mr. Proença explained to AFP. On the college, we must “increase the number of hours to four for all middle school students” compared to 3 hours from 5th to 3rd. "There is also work to be done with the medical profession to avoid systematic exemptions because there are very few pathologies that require a child to be completely exempted.", he added. As for the 30-minute physical activity program in primary schools, initiated by the Paris Olympics organizing committee, Mr. Proença heard the Minister of Sports recently tell MPs that a new assessment would be made soon, while a Senate report had reported only "42% schools" applying it.
The two deputies also note that "As with the level of physical activity, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is unevenly distributed: overweight affects twice as many children of workers as children of managers, obesity three times more.".
English 
French