UNICEF Report reveals Childhood Obesity Surpassing Underweight Globally, Driven by Ultra-Processed Foods
New York – A groundbreaking report released today by UNICEF warns that, for the first time, obesity is affecting more children and adolescents aged 5-19 globally than underweight conditions. The analysis, stemming from data collected between 2000-2022 and coordinated by the NCD-RisC collaboration, projects a continued rise in obesity prevalence, signaling a critical shift in the landscape of childhood malnutrition. This trend underscores the urgent need to address increasingly pervasive and harmful food environments.
the report highlights a concerning paradox: while undernutrition remains a important challenge, the escalating consumption of ultra-processed foods – industrially formulated products high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats – is driving a surge in childhood obesity.This “triple burden” of malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition, overweight/obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies, threatens the health and future of an entire generation. The findings are based on administrative and study data measuring the height and weight of children in representative samples, with UNICEF projecting prevalence beyond 2022 based on trends observed between 2010 and 2022.
UNICEF defines weight categories using Body Mass Index (BMI) relative to the world Health Organization’s (WHO) growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents. Specifically, overweight is defined as a BMI exceeding one standard deviation above the median, obesity as exceeding two standard deviations, and underweight (or wasting) as falling below two standard deviations below the median.
The report emphasizes that ultra-processed foods, characterized by refined ingredients and additives and largely devoid of whole foods, are intentionally engineered to be hyper-palatable and aggressively marketed, contributing to overconsumption. This shift in dietary patterns poses a significant threat to children’s health and well-being, with long-term consequences for both individuals and societies.
For media inquiries,contact Nadia Samie-Jacobs at UNICEF New York: +1 845 760 2615 or nsamie@unicef.org.
