Childhood obesity has overtaken underweight as the most common form of malnutrition among school-aged children and adolescents, UNICEF said in a new report released Tuesday.
The study, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children, shows that one in ten children, about 188 million worldwide, are living with obesity.
“Obesity surpassed underweight as the more prevalent form of malnutrition this year, affecting 1 in 10, or 188 million school-aged children and adolescents, and placing them at risk of life-threatening disease,” UNICEF said in the report.
Since 2000, obesity among children aged 5–19 has risen from 3 per cent to 9.4 per cent, while underweight has declined from nearly 13 per cent to 9.2 per cent.
“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“Obesity is a growing concern that can impact the health and development of children. Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein at a time when nutrition plays a critical role in children’s growth, cognitive development and mental health.”
The report notes that obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
It warns that the rise is being driven by the growing availability and marketing of ultra-processed foods, which dominate shops and schools and reach young audiences through digital platforms.
“In many countries, we are seeing the double burden of malnutrition, the existence of stunting and obesity,” Russell added.
“Nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development. We urgently need policies that support parents and caretakers to access nutritious and healthy foods for their children.”