In a landmark report, UNICEF has found that for the first time in history, more children and adolescents worldwide are obese than underweight. The study, which collected data from over 190 countries, highlights a concerning global shift in child malnutrition.
A Global Shift in Malnutrition
For decades, the word "malnourished" has been synonymous with being underweight. However, the UNICEF study reveals that obesity is now a more widespread form of malnutrition, with significant health implications.
- In a striking reversal, obesity has now eclipsed underweight as the most prevalent form of malnutrition among children and adolescents ages 5 to 19. Since 2000, the rate of underweight children has fallen from almost 13% to 9.2%, while obesity rates have tripled, climbing from 3% to 9.4% in the same time frame.
- A growing health crisis: The report estimates that approximately 188 million children and young people are affected by obesity, which is a severe form of being overweight. It is linked to a higher risk of serious health issues later in life, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Why Is This Happening?
Researchers point to a global dietary shift as the primary cause. Traditional diets, which typically include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein, are being replaced by cheap, calorie-dense, ultra-processed foods. These foods are typically loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasizes that this trend presents a "double burden of malnutrition," where countries face both stunting (a form of undernutrition) and rising rates of obesity.
Urgent Call to Action
UNICEF is urging governments to take strong action to protect children's health. The organization recommends implementing policies that support parents in accessing nutritious, affordable foods and restricting the ultra-processed food industry's influence on public health policies.
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