A recent study by Unicef, a United Nations agency, reveals that for the first time, there are more children worldwide who are obese than underweight. Approximately 188 million children and young people, or around one in 10 of those aged between five and 19 years old, are affected by obesity. This shift is attributed to a change in diets, with a growing reliance on ultra-processed foods that are high in calories and relatively cheap.
Unicef is urging governments to take action to protect children’s diets from unhealthy ingredients and prevent the ultra-processed food industry from influencing policy decisions. The agency notes that the term “malnourished” no longer solely refers to underweight children, but also encompasses the impact of obesity on health and development. Obesity is a severe form of being overweight and is linked to a higher risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers later in life.
According to the study, which analyzed data from over 190 countries, the prevalence of underweight children aged 5-19 has declined since 2000, from nearly 13% to 9.2%. In contrast, obesity rates have increased from 3% to 9.4%, with almost one in 10 children now obese. The number of overweight children, including those who are obese, has also risen, with roughly 391 million children across the globe estimated to be overweight.
The highest rates of obesity among children and young people are found in some Pacific Island states, with Niue, the Cook Islands, and Nauru having obesity rates of 38%, 37%, and 33%, respectively. High-income countries, such as Chile, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, also face significant obesity problems, with 27%, 21%, and 21% of children aged 5-19 being obese, respectively.
Unicef’s executive director, Catherine Russell, emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address the double burden of malnutrition, which includes both stunting and obesity. She stresses that nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development. The agency is calling for policies that support parents and caregivers in accessing healthy foods for their children.
The report estimates that the global economic impact of overweight and obesity could surpass $4 trillion annually by 2035. Unicef is urging governments to take action, including introducing measures to protect children’s diets, such as removing ultra-processed foods from school canteens, introducing taxes on unhealthy foods and drinks, and encouraging food producers to reformulate products to limit unhealthy ingredients. The agency also recommends protecting policy-making from interference by the ultra-processed food industry.
