In a striking revelation, UNICEF announced on Tuesday that the number of obese children now exceeds those who are undernourished globally. This shift marks obesity as the most prevalent form of malnutrition among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19.
UNICEF projects that by 2025, nearly 10% of children and adolescents will be living with obesity. The organization attributes this rise to the widespread availability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods, even in nations still grappling with child undernutrition.
“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” stated UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. She emphasized that ultra-processed foods are replacing essential nutrients like fruits, vegetables, and proteins, which are vital for healthy growth, brain development, and mental health.
Hunger Declines While Obesity Surges
Global efforts to combat hunger have seen significant progress. Between 2000 and 2022, the percentage of underweight youths decreased from 13% to 10%, according to data from 190 countries. However, during the same period, the number of overweight children and adolescents more than doubled, increasing from 194 million to 391 million.
The surge is even more pronounced in obesity cases, a severe form of overweight linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, certain cancers, anxiety, and depression. In 2022, about 8% of those aged five to 19—163 million children and adolescents—were obese, up from just 3% in 2000.
UNICEF reports a “historic turning point,” with obesity affecting 9.4% of the age group in 2024, compared to 9.2% who were underweight, translating to an estimated 188 million young people living with obesity.
Junk Food Marketing Under Fire
UNICEF places the blame not on families but on unethical business practices. Children “are being bombarded by… unhealthy food marketing of junk foods,” said Katherine Shats, a UNICEF legal expert in nutrition, speaking to AFP.
Schools, according to Shats, are key exposure sites where sugary drinks and salty snacks are prevalent, often sold at a lower price than fresh produce. The agency stressed that this crisis reflects “a failure of society to protect the environments that children grow up in.” It also dismissed the notion that physical activity alone can counteract the negative impacts of poor diets.
“It is impossible to ‘outrun’ the health consequences of a diet high in free sugars, refined starches, salt, trans-fats, harmful additives, and excessive energy through physical activity alone,” the report stated.
The Gap Between Rich and Poor Nations Narrows
While overweight rates remain high in wealthier nations like Chile, where 27% of children and adolescents are affected, and the United States at 21%, the gap between rich and poor nations is closing.
Obesity rates have skyrocketed in several Pacific islands, where imported goods are supplanting traditional foods. In Niue, 38% of those aged five to 19 are obese, with the Cook Islands reporting 37%.
In some regions, the issue is twofold, with undernutrition persisting alongside rising obesity. Shats pointed out that in conflict zones and humanitarian crises, major food and beverage companies exploit the situation by donating ultra-processed foods to enhance their public image.
UNICEF Calls for Stronger Government Action
In response to this growing crisis, UNICEF is urging governments to implement stricter regulations on food marketing and to promote healthier food environments. The agency advocates for policies that prioritize children’s health and well-being over corporate profits.
As the world grapples with this dual burden of malnutrition, the need for comprehensive strategies that address both undernutrition and obesity becomes increasingly urgent. The path forward requires a concerted effort from governments, communities, and the private sector to ensure a healthier future for the next generation.
