UN Warns Childhood Obesity Now More Widespread Than Underweight

UN Warns Childhood Obesity Now More Widespread Than Underweight
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For the first time, more children worldwide are obese than underweight, according to a new UN report highlighting how ultra-processed foods are dominating young people’s diets, The Guardian reported. The study, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children, found that 188 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 are living with obesity—around one in ten globally. By comparison, 9.2% in this age group are underweight, while 9.4% are obese. In 2000, nearly 13% were underweight and only 3% obese.

UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell said the findings show malnutrition is no longer limited to underweight children, stressing that ultra-processed foods are increasingly replacing fresh and nutritious options at a critical stage for growth and mental health. Obesity rates were found to be highest in Pacific Island nations, including Niue (38%) and the Cook Islands (37%). High levels were also reported in wealthier countries, such as Chile (27%), the United States (21%), and the United Arab Emirates (21%). In the UK, obesity among children rose from 9% in 2000 to 11% in 2022.

The steepest increases, however, occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where exposure to modern retail outlets and online delivery platforms has made cheap, energy-dense products more accessible than fresh food. Experts warn childhood obesity is linked to long-term health risks including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. UNICEF urged governments to act through labeling, taxation, school bans on junk food, and protections against aggressive marketing by the food industry.