NSW Health rejects proposal to use NAPLAN to compare obesity in schools

New South Wales Health has flatly rejected a controversial report recommendation to use NAPLAN, the nation's literacy and numeracy testing system, to compare childhood obesity among NSW schools.

NSW Health, which commissioned the survey, said more than one in five children in NSW were overweight or obese in 2015.

Dr Louise Hardy authored the NSW school's Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) of more than 7,000 children, which looks into the problem of childhood obesity in schools across the state.

The SPANS report is prepared once every five years and this year's results along with Dr Hardy's recommendations are yet to be released by the State Government.

But Dr Hardy told the ABC she supported the physical activity testing of students and the mandatory reporting of those outcomes to the country's National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

The annual assessment tests students in years three, five, seven and nine for skills in maths, reading and writing.

Parents are then able rank schools according to these outcomes.

Dr Hardy said adding physical activity measures to the NAPLAN system was the best way to improve health among school children.

"To actually include physical activity as a reportable outcome that is wedged in the NAPLAN, it would actually encourage schools to know the level of physical activity their students are engaging in which we know is low," Dr Hardy said.

"So in terms of having that reportable outcome, that would be an excellent way forward."

NAPLAN just one of several measures: author

Dr Hardy said the move should be part of a broader suite of measures which included limiting recreational computer screen time and working with families to improve children's diets at home.

But NSW Health said it flatly rejected that finding.

"It is clear that the suggestion to incorporate physical activity as an outcome linked to NAPLAN is not helpful nor feasible," a spokeswoman said.

It said the purpose of the report was to provide longitudinal data in order to inform progress against key measures and identify where further work is required.

"Childhood obesity is a complex issue, which is why we are taking a whole-of-government, systematic approach to supporting children and families to make healthy lifestyle choices," it said.

"And to be supported in their choices by health-focused planning, built environment and transport initiatives, as well as improved access to healthier foods."

The Opposition also criticised the proposal to use NAPLAN to compare physical activity among schools.

"We already know there's a massive issue with body image among kids particularly with teenagers," Opposition education spokesman Jihad Dib said.

"The mandatory physical testing will only further contribute to massive anxiety among kids."