Obesity surpasses undernourishment among world's young population for the first time; What this means for children

Imagine a world where being overweight is now more common in kids than being underfed. Seems pretty impossible, right? But that’s today’s reality.For the first time in history, more children and teens around the world are facing obesity than struggling with being underweight, according to a landmark UNICEF report. The new UNICEF report declares it: nearly 10% of those aged 5-19 – about 188 million – are now obese, compared to 9.2% who are underweight.But why the change? Blame ultra-processed snacks, aggressive ads, and food habits pushed by flashy screens and cheap delivery.It’s a global wake-up call. This shift marks a dramatic reversal from 2000, when undernutrition dominated. And this matters – because it affects their bodies, brains, moods, and futures. Want to know more about the report and its repercussions?Read on.

Obesity now overtakes underweight: A never-before-seen global shift

For decades, malnutrition meant hunger and underfed children.

But not anymore. A landmark UNICEF report, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children, reveals a dramatic shift.Today, 9.4% of children aged 5-19 are obese, exceeding the 9.2% who are underweight (dropped from nearly 13%), marking a first in global health history (except in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia). That's around 188 million young people carrying excess weight – a figure that has tripled since the year 2000, when obesity stood at just 3%, leaving one in ten children now obese.

What’s driving this historic shift

UNICEF data collected from over 190 countries shows that obesity has overtaken underweight in all regions, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The highest obesity rates among youth are in Pacific Island nations, with 38% in Niue, 37% in the Cook Islands, and 33% in Nauru suffering from obesity. In wealthier settings, obesity remains high – 27% in Chile and 21% in both the United States and the UAE.The culprit behind this huge shift?Ultra-processed foods (UPFs): The rise of cheap, sugary, fatty snacks and fast foods is displacing wholesome diets.

UPFs high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats dominate retail spaces, schools, and digital platforms, pushing children toward unhealthy choices.Global marketing and accessibility: Aggressive marketing, especially through social media, reaches children directly. UNICEF’s global youth poll found that 75% of young people saw ads for junk food in the previous week, and 60% admitted these ads increased their craving for unhealthy foods.Economic and lifestyle shifts: Even in low and middle-income countries, modern retail chains and food delivery have made UPFs more accessible and affordable than fresh produce and protein-rich meals.

What this means for children

Obesity in childhood isn’t just about weight – it sets the stage for serious health issues later on. Increased risks include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers as children grow up.

These conditions can also affect cognitive development, mental health, and quality of life.Meanwhile, although undernutrition has yet to be resolved, many children still face stunting or nutrient deficiencies. Alarmingly, some regions face a double burden, obesity and undernutrition in different children or even the same child at different times.Economically, the costs are staggering. UNICEF warns that obesity-related healthcare and lifelong impacts could cost trillions of dollars worldwide by 2035.Why is this such a big deal? Because this trend has serious implications:Long-term health dangers: Obesity in childhood increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, and some cancers later in life.Cognitive and emotional impact: Nutrition plays a critical role in brain development and mental well-being. Diets heavy in processed foods can hinder learning and mood stability.Economic burden: Childhood obesity is costly—for individuals and nations.

Some estimates project global economic impact to exceed USD 4 trillion annually by 2035.

What you should do

As obesity overtakes underweight, the face of malnutrition is changing. It’s no longer just about lack of food – it’s about poor-quality food, too much access, and environments that influence unhealthy behavior. Children growing up today may face chronic diseases earlier, decreased educational potential, and diminished life quality if trends persist.So, what to do then? Here are steps that can make a difference:Regulate food marketing: Governments must restrict advertising of UPFs to children, especially in schools and online.School food reforms: Ban UPFs in schools and supply healthier meals. Mexico’s recent policy to ban UPFs in schools serves as a positive model.Support healthy access: Subsidies for fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can help low-income families choose better.Empower parents and communities: Nutrition education and social programs can support healthier choices and demand better food environments.