A new UNICEF report reveals that more school-age children and adolescents are now obese than underweight, with 188 million young people affected globally. Obesity now surpasses underweight in almost all regions except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Over the past 25 years, the number of overweight children has doubled from 194 million to 391 million, with a large portion classified as obese. The highest obesity rates are found in Pacific Island nations like Niue (38%), the Cook Islands (37%), and Nauru (33%). High-income countries also show significant levels, including Chile (27%) and the United States and UAE (21%).
UNICEF warns that obesity is a serious health risk, leading to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer. Poor diets, particularly high consumption of ultra-processed foods, are a major contributor.
The report also highlights socioeconomic differences: in high-income countries, obesity is more common among poorer children, while in low-income countries, wealthier children are more at risk due to access to energy-dense foods. In middle-income countries, obesity affects children across all income groups.
While the prevalence of underweight children aged 5-19 has declined from 13% in 2000 to 9.2%, undernutrition remains a major concern for children under five, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
UNICEF emphasizes that malnutrition now includes both underweight and obesity, and addressing unhealthy diets is critical for children’s growth, development, and long-term health.
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