Obesity has now become more prevalent than underweight among school-aged children and adolescents worldwide, according to a new UNICEF report. The agency attributed this shift to increasingly unhealthy food environments across the globe.
Global Estimates and Projections
Drawing on data from 2000 to 2022, collected by international academic partners, UNICEF projected obesity trends based on patterns since 2010. The findings revealed that 1 in 10 children and adolescents—about 188 million—are living with obesity under the World Health Organization’s criteria.
Obesity Rates Tripled Since 2000
Obesity rates among children aged 5–19 have more than tripled, rising from 3% in 2000 to 9.4% in 2022. In contrast, the prevalence of underweight children declined from nearly 13% in 2000 to 9.2%, showing that while undernutrition remains a significant concern, obesity has now overtaken it globally.
Regional and Country-Level Trends
UNICEF stressed that obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
- In Pacific Island nations such as Niue and the Cook Islands, nearly 40% of children aged 5–19 are obese—the highest rates worldwide.
- In the United Arab Emirates and the United States, obesity rates stand at 21%.
- Some countries, including the U.S., have begun supporting the use of new weight-loss drugs for adolescents as part of treatment.
Toxic Food Environments Drive the Crisis
As reported by Reuters, UNICEF identified ultra-processed foods—high in sugar, salt, and fat—along with pervasive marketing of unhealthy products as the major drivers of rising childhood obesity.
“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.
Alarming Findings from Youth Poll
In a UNICEF poll of 64,000 young people (ages 13–24) from 170 countries, nearly 75% reported seeing advertisements for sugary drinks, snacks, or fast food in the past week. Even in conflict-affected regions, 68% of youth said they had encountered such adverts.
Call for Urgent Government Action
UNICEF called on governments worldwide to take urgent action, including:
- Restricting marketing of unhealthy foods to children.
- Banning junk food sales in schools.
- Implementing stronger nutrition policies to create healthier food environments.
A Shifting Definition of Malnutrition
“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” emphasised UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, underlining that obesity is now a growing part of the malnutrition crisis.