For the first time in history, obesity has surpassed underweight as the most prevalent form of malnutrition among school-aged children and adolescents worldwide.
One in 10 children, or 188 million, now live with obesity, UNICEF revealed in its latest report, titled “Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children.”
The surge in childhood obesity is raising the alarm bells, as it increases the risk of life-threatening diseases, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
UNICEF analyzed data from over 190 countries, finding that the prevalence of underweight among children aged 5-19 declined from nearly 13 percent in 2,000 to 9.2 percent today. Meanwhile, obesity has jumped from 3 percent to 9.4 percent.
Obesity now exceeds underweight in almost every region, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Pacific Island nations are the hardest hit. In Niue, 38 percent of children aged 5-19 are obese, 37 percent in the Cook Islands, and 33 percent in Nauru. These rates have doubled since 2000, driven by a shift from traditional diets to cheap, high-calorie imported foods.
High-income countries are also struggling. 27 percent of children in Chile, 21 percent in the United States, and 21 percent in the United Arab Emirates are living with obesity.
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Globally, 1 in 5 children aged 5-19, or 391 million, are overweight, with many classified as obese. Children are considered overweight when their weight exceeds healthy ranges for their age, sex, and height. Obesity is a severe form of overweight and significantly raises the risk of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and chronic diseases later in life.
While undernutrition, including wasting and stunting, remains a concern for children under five in many low- and middle-income countries, overweight and obesity are climbing steadily among school-aged children.
UNICEF warns that the food environment, not personal choice, drives childhood obesity. Ultra-processed and fast foods—high in sugar, refined starch, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives—dominate stores and schools. Aggressive digital marketing gives the food and beverage industry unprecedented access to young audiences, influencing their diets from an early age.
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UNICEF’s report stresses that childhood obesity is now a global health crisis. Governments, schools, and communities must act urgently to create healthier food environments. Without decisive intervention, millions of children will face lifelong health consequences.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
