For the first time globally, there are more obese children than underweight ones, warns a UN report showing how ultra-processed foods dominate children’s diets.
UNICEF estimates that 188 million adolescents and school-aged children suffer from obesity – that’s one in ten – affecting health, development, and increasing the risk of serious illnesses.
"When we talk about malnutrition, we are not just referring to underweight children. Obesity is becoming an increasing concern," said Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, as quoted by The Guardian. She highlighted that ultra-processed products are increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables, and proteins, precisely at a crucial time for children's physical and mental development.
Obesity has surpassed undernutrition
The report shows that 9.4% of children and young people aged 5 to 19 are obese, compared to 9.2% underweight. In 2000, almost 13% were underweight and only 3% were obese.
Obesity has become the predominant form of malnutrition in all regions of the world, except for Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, even in countries where many children still suffer from undernutrition or growth delays.
A global issue fueled by cheap food
The Feeding Profit report: How Food Environments are Failing Children is based on data from over 190 countries, including UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank.
The results show that one in five children aged 5 to 19 is overweight, and the percentage of obese children has increased from 30% in 2000 to 42% in 2022.
The highest rates are recorded in Pacific island countries, where traditional diets have been replaced by imported, cheap, and calorie-rich foods. In Niue, 38% of children are obese, and in the Cook Islands, 37%. The percentage is high even in wealthy countries like Chile (27%), the USA (21%), or the United Arab Emirates (21%).
In the UK, the percentage of overweight children has increased from 29% in 2000 to 30% in 2022, and obesity from 9% to 11%.
Low- and middle-income countries, the sharpest increase
The most significant increase in childhood obesity has occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where the number of overweight children has doubled since 2000.
The rapid expansion of modern stores, online deliveries, and ordering apps has made ultra-processed foods more accessible and cheaper than fresh and nutritious foods.
Serious long-term consequences
Childhood obesity is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer in adulthood.
Ultra-processed products - cereals, biscuits, cakes, sugary drinks, or ready-made meals - often contain excess sugar, fats, and salt, as well as additives. The report warns that these products dominate stores and even schools, aggressively promoted to children and parents, especially online.
"Obesity has the same long-term consequences as undernutrition. Approximately one in eight children is overweight or obese, while one in four suffers from growth delays," explained Nomathemba Chandiwana from the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, South Africa. She emphasized that aggressive marketing of fast food, including in schools, complicates the situation.
Huge economic costs
UNICEF estimates that by 2035, the global cost of obesity and overweight will exceed $4 trillion annually.
The report praises Mexico's move to ban the sale and distribution of ultra-processed foods in schools but denounces the "unethical" practices of the industry that undermine regulations for child protection.
UNICEF calls on governments to introduce clear labeling, marketing restrictions, taxes and subsidies, as well as programs to support vulnerable families in providing healthy nutrition. Additionally, it requests protecting public policies from the influence of the ultra-processed food industry.