UNICEF Warns Childhood Obesity Now More Common Than Being Underweight
A new UNICEF report has found that obesity among school-aged children and adolescents has overtaken underweight as a global health concern. The UN children’s agency says unhealthy food environments and aggressive marketing of junk food are driving the rise.
The study analysed data from 2000 to 2022, compiled by researchers worldwide, and projected trends since 2010. The findings show that 1 in 10 children and adolescents—around 188 million—are now living with obesity based on World Health Organization standards.
Alarming Shift in Global Health Trends
Obesity rates in those aged 5 to 19 have more than tripled in the past two decades. They rose from 3% in 2000 to 9.4% in 2022. Meanwhile, the prevalence of underweight children in the same age group has fallen from nearly 13% to 9.2%.
UNICEF noted that while underweight remains a serious issue, obesity is now more widespread in every region except South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
“In discussing malnutrition, we can no longer focus only on underweight children,” said UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell.
Regional Hotspots Highlight Severity
In some Pacific Island nations, the problem is especially severe. Nearly 40% of children and adolescents in Niue and the Cook Islands are obese. Rates are also high in the United Arab Emirates and the United States, where around 21% of young people are affected.
In the US, doctors are increasingly recommending the use of new weight-loss drugs for teenagers.
Processed Food and Marketing Under Fire
UNICEF pointed to the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and fat as a major factor behind the surge. It also highlighted the near-constant marketing of unhealthy products to young people.
“Obesity is not a failure of parents or children. It’s the result of toxic food environments,” said Chris Van Tulleken, professor of global health at University College London and author of Ultra-Processed People.
A UNICEF survey of 64,000 young people across 170 countries found that 75% had seen adverts for fast food, snacks, or sugary drinks in the past week. Even in conflict zones, nearly 7 in 10 young people reported exposure to such advertising.
Call for Urgent Global Action
UNICEF is urging governments to act by restricting junk food marketing, banning unhealthy products in schools, and supporting healthier diets. Without decisive measures, the health consequences for the next generation could be severe, with obesity linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other long-term conditions.
with inputs from Reuters
