One in 10 children aged 5 to 19 – 188 million all over the world -In now with obesity and place them at an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” said UNICEF director Catherine Russell.
“Obesity is a growing concern that can affect children’s health and development. Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein At a time when nutrition plays a critical role in children’s growth, cognitive development and mental health, ”she added.
The report, Feeding results: How food environments are failing childrendraws on data from over 190 countries and highlights a sharp shift.
One in five obese
Since 2000, the number of underweight among five to 19-year-olds has dropped from almost 13 percent to 9.2 percent.
In the same period, obesity has tripled from three percent to 9.4 percent. Today, obesity is exceeding underweight in each region except Africa south of Sahara and South Asia.
The situation is especially urgent on the Pacific Islands, where traditional diets have been displaced by cheap, energy -tight imported foods.
Countries with high income are not exempt: 27 percent of children in Chile and 21 percent in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates are affected.
Globally, One in five children and adolescents, or 391 million, are overweightWith almost half now classified as overweight.
Children are considered overweight when they are significantly heavier than what is healthy for their age, gender and height.
Obesity is a severe form of overweight and leads to a higher risk of developing insulin resistance and high blood pressure as well as life-threatening diseases later in life, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
A consumer in Mongolia eats a sugary desert.
Marketing to blame
The report points to powerful commercial forces that create these results. Ultra-processed and fast food, with high sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and additives, dominates children’s diets and marketed aggressivelythat affect children’s diets.
In a UNICEF vote of 64,000 young people in 170 countries, 75 percent reported to see ads for sugary drinks, snacks or fast food in the previous week.
60 percent said the ads made them want to eat the products. Even in conflict -affected countries, 68 percent of young people said they were exposed to these advertisements.
These patterns warn UNICEF and carry staggering financial consequences. By 2035, the global cost of obesity and obesity levels is expected to exceed $ 4 trillion annually. In Peru alone, obesity-related health issues could cost over $ 210 billion across a generation.
The government must act
Still take some governments action. Mexico where sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods make up 40 percent of children’s daily calories-have banned their sales in public schools and improved food environments for more than 34 million children.
UNICEF calls on governments around the world to follow sweeping reforms: mandatory food marking, marketing restrictions and taxes on unhealthy products; Ban on junk food in schools; stronger social protection programs; and protective measures to shield decision -making against industry interference.
“In many countries we see the double burden of malnutrition, the existence of stunting and obesity. This requires targeted interventions,” said Ms. Russell.
“Nutritious and affordable food must be available to each child to support their growth and development. We urgently need policies that support parents and carers to access nutritious and healthy foods for their children, ”she concluded.
