A groundbreaking UN report reveals a stark reality: for the first time in history, more children worldwide are obese than underweight. The alarming rise in childhood obesity, driven primarily by the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), is a major public health concern with far-reaching consequences. The report, titled 'Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children,' highlights the devastating impact of readily available, cheap, and heavily marketed UPFs on children's health and development.
According to UNICEF, 188 million children and teenagers – a staggering one in ten – are now classified as obese. This figure represents a dramatic increase from just 3% in 2000. Conversely, while underweight children still pose a significant challenge, affecting 9.2% of children aged 5-19 globally, the prevalence of obesity (9.4%) has now surpassed it in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This concerning trend even affects nations grappling with undernutrition, illustrating the complex and pervasive nature of the problem.
The report draws on data from over 190 countries, utilizing information from UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank. It indicates that one in five children and teenagers are overweight, with a significant proportion (42% in 2022, up from 30% in 2000) categorized as obese. Pacific Island nations show the highest rates, attributed to a shift from traditional diets to inexpensive, imported, energy-dense foods. High rates are also seen in wealthier countries, including Chile, the US, and the UAE.
The study emphasizes the significant role of UPFs, encompassing processed cereals, biscuits, cakes, sugary drinks, and ready meals, which often contain high levels of added sugar, fat, and salt. These products are readily available, aggressively marketed to children and families through digital channels, and often dominate school environments, making healthy choices challenging. This creates an environment that normalizes unhealthy eating habits, making it a systemic issue rather than a matter of personal choice.
The long-term health consequences of childhood obesity are dire, increasing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers later in life. Experts warn that the 'double burden' of undernutrition and obesity concurrently affecting many children is shaping a generation's health. Furthermore, the economic implications are substantial; the World Obesity Federation estimates that by 2035, the annual global cost of overweight and obesity will exceed $4 trillion.
The report advocates for robust government intervention, suggesting measures such as stricter labeling, marketing restrictions, taxes on UPFs, subsidies for healthy food, and bans on junk food and its marketing within schools. It also calls for safeguarding public policies from undue influence by the ultra-processed food industry. The success of Mexico's ban on UPF sales in schools provides a potential model for other nations to emulate in addressing this urgent global crisis.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/sep/10/junk-food-upf-more-children-obese-than-underweight-unicef
