Résumé
The menuCH-Kids national survey was initiated to deliver the first comprehensive overview of the diet, health, and lifestyle of children and adolescents in Switzerland. Commissioned and funded by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, the survey was conducted by a consortium of Swiss institutions under the coordination of Unisanté. Data collection for this population-based survey was carried out between 2023 and 2024 across six study centres located throughout Switzerland. Participants were randomly selected from population registries to ensure representation across the French-, German-, and Italian-speaking regions. In total, 1 852 children aged 6 to 17 years took part in the main survey (participation rate 11.9%). Information was collected across four domains: 1) Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors, including physical activity, screen time, sleep patterns, dietary habits, and general health status, were assessed using standardised questionnaires. 2) Dietary intake was evaluated through two 24-hour dietary recalls/records complemented by a brief food propensity questionnaire. 3) Physical assessments were conducted at the study centres and included anthropometric, blood pressure, and body composition measurements. 4) Biological samples, including urine samples and voluntary blood specimens, were collected to assess nutritional status, measure metabolic biomarkers and contaminants, and contribute to the creation of a biobank. First key findings show some positive dietary behaviours (like frequent breakfast, appropriate energy intake, infrequent lunches eaten out). Among the dietary behaviours to be improved are the low fruits and vegetables consumption, the high meat and protein intakes, and the frequent consumption of snacks and sugary drinks. Among 14-17-year-olds, 11.8% are regular or occasional smokers and 32.7% are occasional alcohol consumers, plus 5.5% of regular ones. Physical activity is insufficient (from 50% meeting the ≥60 min of physical activity each day in younger boys to 16% of older girls). The prevalence of overweight or obesity is 12.9%. Risk factors of cardiovascular and metabolic disease were assessed, such as elevated blood pressure (14.7% with systolic blood pressure >90th percentile), elevated glycated haemoglobin (10.4% with Hb1AC > 5.7% and 0% > 6.5%) or elevated cholesterol values (8.7% with total-cholesterol > 5.1mmol/l). In conclusion, menuCH-Kids provides a unique and comprehensive dataset on the nutrition and lifestyle of children in Switzerland. It establishes a solid foundation for public health and nutrition research and will inform the development of evidence-based strategies and policies aimed at promoting healthy dietary behaviours, creating age-appropriate nutrition recommendations tailored to the Swiss youth, and guiding food safety and risk assessment of contaminants.