A new UNICEF report shows that childhood obesity is now overtaking undernutrition as the leading form of malnutrition worldwide. The agency warns that school-aged children and teens face a higher risk of serious, life-threatening health problems linked to excess weight.
Millions of children affected across 190 countries
The Child Nutrition Report, released Wednesday, estimates that 188 million children across more than 190 countries are affected. That includes about 391 million young people ages 5 to 19 who are considered overweight, with many of them now classified as obese.
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Since 2000, obesity in that age group has tripled, climbing from 3% to 9.4%. Meanwhile, underweight rates have steadily dropped. Today, obesity outnumbers underweight in every region of the world except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Obesity means more than just extra pounds. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers. For kids, obesity means having a body mass index, or BMI, at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. BMI as a measurement of obesity has been criticized, as it only factors height and weight in calculating obesity.
“Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein at a time when nutrition plays a critical role in children’s growth, cognitive development and mental health,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said.
Rising rates in wealthy nations and small islands
The problem stretches from wealthy nations to small islands. In Niue, 38% of kids and teens are obese, with 37% in the Cook Islands and 33% in Nauru. Obesity rates remain high elsewhere too, 27% of children in Chile and 21% in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
In the U.S., the CDC says about 1 in 5 kids and teens ages 2 to 19 — roughly 14.7 million young people — are living with obesity. The problem doesn’t affect everyone equally, according to the health agency.
Rates are higher among adolescents, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children, and in families with lower incomes.
Food environment and marketing pressures
The report says obesity doesn’t just stem from personal choices; it’s about the food environment. Processed and fast foods, packed with sugar, salt, starch and additives, are easy to find in stores, schools and online.
UNICEF said kids are also being targeted. A poll of 64,000 young people in 170 countries found that 3 in 4 saw ads for sugary drinks, snacks or fast foods in the past week. Six in 10 said those ads made them want the products.
The economic toll of obesity
The cost of obesity isn’t limited to health. In Peru, obesity-related diseases could carry a lifetime price tag of $210 billion. Globally, the economic toll of overweight and obesity is projected to climb beyond $4 trillion a year by 2035.
What are countries doing to help health?
In the United Kingdom, a “sugar tax” on soft drinks led to many companies reducing sugar levels in their products. Chile requires front-of-package warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt, or fat, and restricts marketing aimed at children.
Mexico banned junk food and sugary drinks in public schools, changing daily food options for more than 34 million children. UNICEF says these types of measures show how government action can help reshape food environments, especially when paired with education and support for families.
In the U.S., change is also underway. The USDA recently approved waivers allowing several states, including Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Utah, Colorado and Texas, to block the purchase of soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits.
Still, UNICEF says more needs to be done. The agency is urging governments to step up food labeling, curb junk food marketing aimed at kids and use taxes and subsidies to drive healthier options. It is also calling for stronger safety nets so families can afford nutritious food.
