Shocking Shift: More School Children Globally Are Now Obese Than Underweight – What This Means for Our Future

For the first time ever, more school children and teens worldwide are obese than underweight. This startling finding comes from a recent UNICEF report. It shows that about one in five children aged 5 to 19—around 391 million—are overweight, while one in ten are obese. These numbers put them at higher risk for severe health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

The report highlights that only sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia still see more underweight children than obese ones. The data comes from over 190 countries and points to unhealthy eating habits as the main culprit. The rise in obesity is largely driven by the increasing availability of ultra-processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, emphasizes the need for nutritious diets, stating that ultra-processed foods are replacing healthier options like fruits and vegetables at a worrying pace.

Since the year 2000, the percentage of underweight kids in this age group has dropped from nearly 13% to 9.2%. On the other hand, obesity rates have surged, more than tripling from 3% to 9.4%. In the Pacific Islands, the situation is even more alarming. Countries like Niue and Cook Islands report obesity rates of up to 38%. This shift stems from moving away from traditional diets to cheaper, calorie-dense imported foods.

High-income countries are not immune either. Obesity rates are significant in places like Chile, the U.S., and the UAE. Meanwhile, undernutrition, especially among children under five, remains a critical concern in many low- and middle-income nations. The existence of both obesity and undernutrition in the same regions signifies a troubling trend.

A UNICEF survey showed that 75% of young people aged 13 to 24 had seen ads for sugary drinks and fast food within a week. Even in areas affected by conflict, 68% reported similar exposures. This pervasive advertising could be a major factor influencing their eating habits. In fact, a study reveals that 60% of teens aged 15-19 consumed more than one sugary item the day before the survey.

The aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods is a significant barrier to improving children’s nutrition. Many government officials believe that the influence of food industries hinders efforts to enforce healthier food policies.

To combat these issues, UNICEF advocates for stronger food regulations. They recommend policies like front-of-pack labeling, marketing restrictions, and taxes on junk food. Countries like Mexico have already taken steps in this direction, implementing taxes on sugary drinks and banning certain unhealthy food sales in schools.

The stakes are high. By 2035, the global economic impact of obesity and related health issues could exceed $4 trillion annually. Urgent actions are needed to create healthier food environments, ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals.

For a deeper look into UNICEF’s findings, check their full report here.

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