Global childhood obesity rates have tripled since 2000, according to a report by UNICEF, with the issue of more children being obese than underweight becoming a growing concern worldwide. This shift in child health metrics, according to the report, places millions of children at risk of life-threatening diseases, marking the first time in history that this occurs.
The report, which analyzed data from over 190 countries between 2000 and 2022, highlighted the impact of factors such as ultra-processed foods and aggressive marketing of junk food, which have contributed to the obesity epidemic. The study found that one in 10 school-aged children, approximately 188 million globally, is obese under WHO standards, while one in five children under 19, or around 391 million, is overweight. These statistics are part of a larger trend, with obesity being more common almost everywhere except South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The report also emphasized that while undernutrition remains a significant problem, the prevalence of obesity is now more widespread. This trend is particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries, where the issue of undernutrition persists despite rising obesity rates. For example, in small Pacific Island nations like Niue and the Cook Islands, nearly 40% of young people are obese. In wealthier nations, where ultra-processed foods make up more than half of adolescents’ calories, high obesity rates continue, with rates in the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates standing at around 21%, and in Chile, the rate is 27%.
UNICEF is calling for urgent global action to address the crisis, advocating for restrictions on junk food marketing and banning unhealthy products in schools. The agency points to Mexico’s recent measures as a potential model, where the government has banned the sale and distribution of ultra-processed foods in public schools. The report warns that without immediate intervention, the next generation faces an increased risk of serious health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to combat the obesity epidemic.