Geneva: More children across the world are obese than underweight for the first time in history, according to a new UNICEF report, which warns that ultra-processed junk food is overwhelming childhood diets and fueling a silent health crisis.

The report, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children, highlights that 188 million school-aged children and adolescents — one in 10 globally — are living with obesity, a condition once considered a problem only for wealthier nations.

Obesity Overtakes Underweight

While 9.4% of children aged 5–19 are obese, only 9.2% are underweight, the report notes. Two decades ago, the reverse was true: in 2000, nearly 13% were underweight and just 3% obese.

“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director.
“Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein at a time when nutrition plays a critical role in growth, development and mental health.”

Regions Worst Affected

Obesity has become more prevalent than undernutrition in every region except South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Pacific Island nations report the world’s highest levels — with 38% of children in Niue and 37% in the Cook Islands classified as obese.
  • Rates are also high in wealthier nations: Chile (27%), the United States (21%), and the United Arab Emirates (21%).
  • In the UK, childhood obesity has risen from 9% in 2000 to 11% in 2022, while overweight levels hover at around 30%.
  • In low- and middle-income countries, the number of overweight children has more than doubled since 2000, driven by rapid urbanisation and the spread of cheap, energy-dense foods through supermarkets, delivery apps, and fast-food chains.

Health and Economic Risks

Experts warn that rising childhood obesity carries serious long-term health risks, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. UNICEF projects the global cost of overweight and obesity will exceed $4 trillion annually by 2035.

The Role of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)

The report underscores the influence of UPFs — cereals, cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks, and ready meals laden with additives, fat, sugar, and salt.

  • These products “dominate shops and schools”, the report says, and are heavily marketed to children and parents, particularly through digital platforms.
  • Nutrition experts argue that this marketing environment makes unhealthy eating less about choice and more about exposure and affordability.

A Double Burden in Developing Nations

Countries like South Africa face a unique challenge. While one in four children remains stunted from undernutrition, one in eight are obese.

“It’s really tough trying to tackle both undernutrition and obesity at the same time,” said Nomathemba Chandiwana of the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation.
“Many children grow up both hungry and surrounded by cheap, poor-quality food.”

Call for Action

The report urges governments to adopt stronger policies to protect children, including:

  • Bans on the sale and marketing of junk food in schools.
  • Taxes and subsidies to make healthy foods more affordable.
  • Clearer nutrition labelling and restrictions on digital advertising targeting children.
  • Safeguards to protect policymaking from interference by the food and beverage industry.

Mexico’s ban on UPFs in schools is cited as a positive example, though UNICEF warns that industry lobbying continues to undermine progress globally.