More children are obese than underweight in world-first, UNICEF warns | Euronews
For the first time in history, more children around the world are obese than underweight, according to a new UNICEF report. The study, which analyzed data from over 190 countries, found that 188 million school-age children and adolescents are living with obesity—a number that has surged dramatically in the past 25 years.
Where Obesity Is Rising Fast
Obesity rates now surpass underweight numbers in every region except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Some of the highest figures are found in Pacific Island nations:
- Niue: 38% of kids aged 5–19 are obese
- Cook Islands: 37%
- Nauru: 33%
High-income countries also show concerning levels. In Chile, 27% of children and teens are obese, while both the United States and the UAE report 21%.
Why It Matters
Obesity isn’t just about weight—it comes with serious health risks. UNICEF explains that obesity increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer later in life.
Executive Director Catherine Russell warned:
“When we talk about malnutrition, it’s no longer just about underweight children. Ultra-processed foods are increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables, and protein—at a time when proper nutrition is vital for children’s growth and mental health.”
What’s Driving the Trend
Researchers point to a major culprit: ultra-processed and fast foods. These are products high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives—often marketed directly to kids.
Economic factors also play a role:
- In wealthier countries, obesity is more common among kids from poorer households who rely on cheap, unhealthy diets.
- In low-income countries, wealthier families are more likely to have overweight children, since they can afford larger amounts of calorie-dense foods.
- In middle-income countries, obesity is widespread across all income groups due to easy access to processed foods and sugary drinks.
The Bigger Picture
While obesity is rising, undernutrition hasn’t disappeared. The share of underweight children aged 5–19 dropped from 13% in 2000 to 9.2% today, but malnutrition—especially among children under five—remains a major problem in many low- and middle-income countries.
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