A new report released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed a dramatic shift in global child health, showing that more school-age children and adolescents are now obese than underweight.
According to the findings, an estimated 188 million children and adolescents worldwide are living with obesity, compared to 149 million who are underweight. This marks the first time in history that the number of obese young people has surpassed those struggling with insufficient weight.
UNICEF described the situation as a growing global health crisis with far-reaching consequences. The agency highlighted that obesity in childhood often carries into adulthood, significantly increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and certain forms of cancer.
The report attributed the rising numbers to factors including poor diets dominated by ultra-processed foods, limited access to affordable nutritious meals, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles among children and adolescents.
Rapid urbanisation, aggressive marketing of unhealthy products, and economic inequalities were also identified as key drivers.In a statement, UNICEF called on governments to intensify efforts to address the crisis by:
Promoting healthier diets through stronger regulations on processed foods and sugary beverages.Investing in public health education to encourage physical activity and better nutrition.Strengthening food systems to ensure affordable access to fresh and healthy foods for children and families.
Implementing policies that protect children from aggressive marketing of unhealthy products.“This is not just a health issue, but a development challenge,” UNICEF warned, stressing that urgent action is needed to prevent an entire generation from facing long-term health and economic burdens linked to obesity.
Daily Frontier is committed to being a trusted source of accurate and timely news, offering in-depth coverage of current affairs, emerging trends, and critical issues shaping today’s world
