Obesity Surpasses Underweight as Leading Malnutrition Threat

A recent report from UNICEF has revealed a significant shift in the landscape of malnutrition, with obesity now surpassing underweight as the most prevalent form. This alarming trend affects one in ten school-aged children and adolescents globally, translating to approximately 188 million individuals. The report, titled “Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children,” draws on data from over 190 countries and highlights the urgent need for intervention as obesity rates climb.

The report indicates that the prevalence of underweight children aged five to 19 has declined from nearly 13 percent in 2000 to 9.2 percent in 2023. Conversely, obesity rates have surged from 3 percent to an alarming 9.4 percent. This trend is evident in various regions, with obesity now exceeding underweight in all areas except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Obesity Trends in Ireland

In Ireland, the situation mirrors global statistics. Data from the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative reveals that one in five primary school children are either overweight or living with obesity. This figure is even higher in DEIS schools, where children often face socio-economic disadvantages. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, emphasized that discussions around malnutrition must evolve: “When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children. Obesity is a growing concern that can impact the health and development of children.”

The report underscores the critical role of nutrition in children’s growth and cognitive development. As Aibhlín O’Leary, Head of Advocacy at UNICEF Ireland, pointed out, children from low-income families are particularly vulnerable. “This isn’t a matter of personal responsibility — it’s a systemic failure,” she stated. O’Leary urged for stronger policies to ensure all children have access to nutritious food, regardless of their family income.

The Health Risks of Obesity

The consequences of obesity extend beyond immediate health concerns. Children classified as overweight face an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. The report highlights that ultra-processed and fast foods, which are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, dominate children’s diets, often due to their accessibility rather than personal choice.

A global poll conducted by UNICEF’s U-Report platform found that 75 percent of respondents aged 13 to 24 recalled seeing advertisements for sugary snacks and drinks in the previous week, with 60 percent expressing that these ads heightened their cravings for such foods. This trend is concerning, particularly in conflict-affected areas, where 68 percent of young people reported exposure to unhealthy food marketing.

UNICEF Ireland has welcomed initiatives aimed at regulating unhealthy food marketing, but the organization stresses the need for enforceable actions. O’Leary remarked, “We now need to see this initial commitment followed by real, enforceable action — both from the Commission and from government.”

The economic implications of failing to address childhood obesity are staggering. Without intervention, countries could face lifetime health and economic impacts exceeding US$210 billion in nations like Peru. By 2035, the global economic burden of overweight and obesity is projected to exceed US$4 trillion annually.

Call for Comprehensive Policy Changes

In light of these findings, UNICEF is urging governments and civil society to implement comprehensive policies aimed at improving children’s food environments. Recommendations include better food labeling, restrictions on food marketing, and the introduction of food taxes and subsidies. Additionally, UNICEF advocates for the prohibition of the sale of ultra-processed foods in schools and the establishment of strong safeguards against interference by the food industry.

The report highlights positive developments in countries like Mexico, where the government has banned the sale of ultra-processed foods in public schools. This decision positively impacts the food environments of over 34 million children.

By prioritizing the health and wellbeing of children, policymakers can help reverse the trend of rising obesity rates. As O’Leary concluded, “We need to strengthen social protection programs to address income poverty and improve financial access to nutritious diets for vulnerable families.”