Shocking UNICEF Report Reveals: Obesity Surpasses Underweight as the Disturbing Dominant Form of Malnutrition in 2023!
Obesity has officially overtaken underweight as the predominant form of malnutrition, affecting one in ten school-aged children and adolescents-approximately 188 million individuals, according to a recent UNICEF report. This marks a significant shift in global health trends, with obesity surpassing underweight in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The report, which draws data from over 190 countries, indicates that globally, one in twenty children under five years old-5%—is classified as overweight, while a staggering 20% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years face similar challenges. As of 2025, the prevalence of obesity among school-age children and teenagers stands at 9.4%, compared to 9.2% for underweight, marking a historic first in this alarming trend. The findings estimate around 188 million adolescents aged 15-19 will be living with obesity in 2025, compared to 184 million who will be underweight.
Since 2000, the prevalence of underweight in children aged 5-19 has declined from nearly 13% to 9.2%. In contrast, obesity rates have nearly tripled, rising from 3% to 9.4%. This increase is largely attributed to a global shift towards energy-dense, imported foods, often replacing healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and proteins in children’s diets.
“Malnutrition now encompasses more than just underweight children,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated. “Obesity is a burgeoning concern with implications for children’s health and development. The rise of ultra-processed foods is diminishing the role of wholesome nutrition at a critical time for children’s cognitive growth and mental well-being.”
While issues such as wasting and stunting remain pressing for children under five in many low- and middle-income countries, rates of overweight and obesity are rising among older children and teens. A child is classified as overweight when their weight is significantly higher than what is considered healthy based on age, sex, and height; obesity is a more severe form that heightens the risk of developing conditions like insulin resistance, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various types of cancer.
The report emphasizes that ultra-processed and fast foods-rich in sugar, refined starch, salt, and unhealthy fats-are de facto staples in children’s diets, often due to an unhealthy food landscape rather than personal choice. These products are ubiquitous in shops and schools, influenced further by extensive digital marketing targeting young audiences.
Failure to implement preventive measures against childhood obesity could bring lifelong health and economic repercussions. To safeguard children’s well-being, UNICEF calls on governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to enforce robust policies aimed at improving food environments. These include implementing food labeling, marketing restrictions, and targeted food taxes and subsidies. Additionally, UNICEF advocates for initiatives that empower families to demand healthier food options and proposes banning the sale of ultra-processed foods in schools and prohibiting marketing within educational environments.
By taking decisive action, stakeholders can begin to turn the tide on this burgeoning health crisis and ensure that children have access to nutritious diets crucial for their development and success.
Published – September 11, 2025 02:22 am IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/obesity-surpassed-underweight-as-the-more-prevalent-form-of-malnutrition-this-year-unicef-report/article70033681.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-09-11 02:22:00
