“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” said UNICEF chief Catherine Russell.
An eye-opening report from the world’s largest children’s organisation UNICEF, reveals that obesity has now surpassed underweight among school-age children and adolescents in nearly every region of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Today, 1 in 5 children and adolescents aged 5–19 globally (391 million) are overweight, with a large proportion already living with obesity.
The trend is even more alarming when looking at long-term data surrounding child nutrition. Findings among 5–19 year-olds show that while the prevalence of underweight has fallen from 13% to 9.2% since 2000, rates of obesity have more than tripled, rising from 3% to 9.4% over the same period.
Appalled? You are not alone. What’s truly startling is this statement by the chief of UNICEF: “In many countries we are seeing the double burden of malnutrition – the existence of stunting and obesity.” It is unfortunate that while underprivileged regions are still battling the persistent problem of undernourishment among children, they are now also facing a hidden threat; even children who appear healthy may not actually be well-nourished. Many are overweight yet deficient in essential nutrients and vitamins and suffering from childhood obesity.
What is childhood obesity?
It refers to a child having an excessive amount of body fat that may affect their health and development. Childhood obesity is concerning because it increases the risk of early type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other long-term health problems. The report by UNICEF warns that by 2025, 1 in 10 children and adolescents (~188 million) will be affected by obesity and chronic disease.
The issue is not just global—it is present in the UK as well. According to the latest NHS Health Survey, around one in eight children aged 2–10 are obese. Among children aged 2–15, approximately 15% were classified as obese in 2022, similar to 2019 levels. Breaking it down further, 12% of children aged 2–10 and 19% of those aged 11–15 were obese.
Obesity rates are highest among children living in the most deprived areas, highlighting the link between socioeconomic factors and health.
Who is to blame?
Katherine Shats, a UNICEF legal expert in nutrition, points out that in regions facing conflict and humanitarian crises, large food and beverage companies are supplying ultra-processed foods under the guise of donations. These “gifts” expand their market reach and polish their corporate image, while putting children’s health at risk.
It is shameful that society has reached a point where the health of future generations is knowingly being endangered. Grocery stores and takeaways are flooded with cheap, ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, which are often more affordable than fruits and vegetables.
What must change?
UNICEF has called on governments, civil society and partners to urgently transform food environments and ensure every child has access to a nutritious diet. Their recommendations include:
- Implementing mandatory policies such as clear food labelling, marketing restrictions and food taxes or subsidies.
- Launching behaviour change initiatives to empower families and communities to demand healthier food environments.
- Banning the sale and promotion of ultra-processed foods in schools, and prohibiting sponsorships by junk food companies.
- Protecting public policy processes from interference by the ultra-processed food industry.
- Strengthening social protection programmes so vulnerable families can afford nutritious diets.
“Nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development. We urgently need policies that support parents and caretakers to access healthy foods for their children,” said Russell.
Our role as communities
The responsibility does not rest with governments alone; parents and communities also have a crucial role to play. With more working parents under pressure, home-cooked meals are too often replaced by ready-made food, fried takeaways and sugary treats. While these options are convenient and bring short-lived happiness, the long-term cost is the health of the next generation.
We must change this mindset before it is too late. The solutions are clear and now it is time for action at every level, from governments to families, to put children’s health first.
