For the first time, the number of children worldwide who are obese has surpassed those who are underweight, according to a new report from Unicef. The UN agency found that 9.4% of five to 19-year-olds are now obese, compared with 9.2% who are underweight. In 2000, nearly 13% were underweight and just 3% were obese.
The report, titled 'Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children', blames the rise on cheap ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that are replacing healthier options. Unicef executive director Catherine Russell said: 'When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children. Obesity is a growing concern.'
Obesity rates are highest in Pacific Island nations such as Niue (38%) and the Cook Islands (37%), but are also significant in richer countries like Chile (27%), the US (21%) and the UAE (21%). In the UK, the percentage of overweight children rose from 29% in 2000 to 30% in 2022, while obesity increased from 9% to 11%.
The steepest rise in overweight children has occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where numbers have more than doubled since 2000. This is linked to the rapid expansion of modern retail, online grocery stores and food delivery apps, making UPFs relatively cheaper than fresh food.
Childhood obesity brings higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers later in life. The World Obesity Federation estimates that by 2035, the global cost of overweight and obesity will exceed $4tn (£2.9tn) annually. The report calls for action, highlighting Mexico's ban on the sale of UPFs in schools as a positive step.
