A groundbreaking UNICEF report reveals a stark shift in global child health: obesity now surpasses undernourishment as the leading form of malnutrition worldwide, except in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This marks a critical turning point, signifying a dramatic increase in unhealthy diets among children aged 5 to 19.
The report, released on Wednesday, indicates that the number of obese children has dramatically increased since 2000. While the percentage of underweight children in this age group has decreased from nearly 13% to 9.2%, obesity rates have nearly tripled, rising from 3% to 9.4%. This translates to an alarming figure: approximately 391 million children are now overweight, representing one in five children globally.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that "when we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children." The report confirms a prediction made by UNICEF in 2017, forecasting this significant shift in the prevalence of childhood malnutrition.
The alarming increase in obesity is particularly pronounced in high-income countries. The report cites concerningly high obesity rates in nations such as Chile (27%), the United States (21%), and the United Arab Emirates (21%).
The UNICEF report attributes the rising trend of childhood obesity to the pervasive influence of unhealthy food environments. The consumption of ultra-processed foods – high in sugar, refined starch, unhealthy fats, salt, and additives – is increasingly replacing healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and protein. This shift, the report emphasizes, is driven by readily available unhealthy food choices rather than solely individual preferences.
This concerning rise in childhood obesity has significant implications for children's health and development. Obesity can negatively impact physical growth, cognitive development, and mental health. To combat this growing crisis, the report suggests several interventions, including stricter food labeling regulations, restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods, and banning the sale of ultra-processed and junk foods in schools. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for robust social protection programs to address income inequality and improve access to nutritious diets for all children.
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Originally published at: https://www.dw.com/en/obesity-surpasses-undernourishment-among-children-unicef/a-73941877
