Childhood obesity has now overtaken underweight as the most widespread form of malnutrition among school-aged children and adolescents, UNICEF warned in a report released Tuesday.
The study, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments are Failing Children, revealed that one in ten children — about 188 million globally — are living with obesity.
“Obesity surpassed underweight as the more prevalent form of malnutrition this year, affecting 1 in 10 children and adolescents and placing them at risk of life-threatening disease,” the report stated.
Data shows obesity among children aged 5–19 has increased from 3 per cent in 2000 to 9.4 per cent in 2025, while underweight cases have dropped from nearly 13 per cent to 9.2 per cent.
“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. “Obesity is a growing concern that affects children’s health and development. Ultra-processed food is replacing fruits, vegetables, and proteins at a critical time for children’s growth, cognitive development, and mental health.”
The report noted that obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and linked the trend to the aggressive marketing and widespread availability of ultra-processed foods — often promoted in schools, shops, and across digital platforms.
Russell added, “In many countries, we are seeing the double burden of malnutrition — stunting and obesity side by side. Nutritious and affordable food must be accessible to every child. We urgently need policies that help parents and caregivers provide healthy diets for their children.”
