Obesity has overtaken underweight as the most common form of malnutrition among school-aged children and adolescents worldwide, according to a new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The report, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children, reveals that one in 10 children aged 5 to 19—an estimated 188 million globally—are now living with obesity. The findings draw on data from more than 190 countries and were published on September 10.
Between 2000 and 2024, the proportion of underweight children fell from nearly 13 percent to 9.2 percent, while obesity rates surged from 3 percent to 9.4 percent. UNICEF says obesity now exceeds underweight in every region except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Pacific Island nations recorded the highest prevalence, with 38 percent of children in Niue, 37 percentin the Cook Islands, and 33 percent in Nauru—figures that have doubled since 2000. High-income countries also face challenges, with 27 percent of Chilean children and 21 percent of children in the United States and United Arab Emirates living with obesity.
“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children. Obesity is a growing concern that can impact the health and development of children,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. “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.”
The report warns that food environments dominated by ultra-processed products high in sugar, refined starch, salt, and unhealthy fats are driving the crisis. Aggressive marketing by the food and beverage industry, particularly through digital platforms, is further shaping children’s eating habits.
A global UNICEF poll of 64,000 young people across 170 countries found that 75 percent had seen ads for sugary drinks, snacks, or fast foods within a week, and 60 percent admitted the ads influenced their consumption choices.
Experts caution that childhood obesity raises long-term risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers. The economic toll is projected to reach US$4 trillion annually by 2035.
Some countries have already taken action. In Mexico, where sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods account for 40 percent of children’s daily calories, authorities banned sales of such products in schools, improving food environments for over 34 million children.
UNICEF is calling on governments to introduce mandatory food labelling, marketing restrictions, nutrition-focused subsidies and taxes, junk food bans in schools, and stronger social protections to make healthy food accessible.
“In many countries, we are seeing the double burden of malnutrition—the existence of stunting and obesity. This requires targeted interventions,” Ms. Russell stressed. “Nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development.”
The agency insists that reversing the trend will require coordinated action from governments, civil society, and communities to transform food systems and guarantee every child’s right to a healthy start in life.
