A groundbreaking UNICEF report reveals a stark shift in global child health: obesity now surpasses undernourishment as the leading form of malnutrition among children aged 5 to 19, except in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This marks a significant turning point, highlighting a dramatic increase in childhood obesity rates worldwide.
The report, released on Wednesday, reveals a concerning trend. While the number of underweight children has decreased from nearly 13% to 9.2% since 2000, obesity rates have nearly tripled, rising from 3% to 9.4% during the same period. This translates to a staggering 391 million children aged 5 to 19 who are now overweight – one in five children globally. UNICEF accurately predicted this "tipping point" back in 2017.
High-income countries are particularly affected, with alarmingly high obesity rates. The report cites figures such as 27% in Chile, 21% in the US, and 21% in the UAE. This underscores the urgent need for global intervention.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children." The report directly attributes the surge in obesity to unhealthy food environments, pointing the finger at readily available ultra-processed and fast foods, high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives. These foods are increasingly replacing nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, and protein, impacting children's growth, cognitive development, and mental health.
The report offers crucial recommendations to combat this crisis. These include improving food environments through better food labeling, implementing stricter food marketing regulations, and banning the sale of ultra-processed and junk foods in schools. Furthermore, strengthening social protection programs to address income poverty and improve access to nutritious diets is vital. These steps are essential to ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
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Originally published at: https://www.dw.com/en/obesity-surpasses-undernourishment-among-children-unicef/a-73941877
