Obesity Surpasses Underweight as Top Child Malnutrition Issue

UNICEF has announced a significant shift in global child nutrition trends, revealing that obesity has now overtaken underweight as the more prevalent form of malnutrition among children. In a report released on March 15, 2024, the organization highlighted that one in ten children worldwide is living with obesity, a stark contrast to underweight statistics.

In Ireland, the situation is particularly alarming, with data from the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative indicating that one in five children are classified as overweight or obese. This figure rises to one in four when focusing on children attending DEIS schools, which cater to disadvantaged areas.

Global Trends in Child Malnutrition

According to the UNICEF report, all regions of the world, except for sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, now report higher rates of obesity than underweight among children. Children are deemed overweight when their weight significantly exceeds what is considered healthy for their age, sex, and height. Obesity is a more severe classification, escalating the risk for serious health issues such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers later in life.

The report identifies approximately 188 million school-aged children and adolescents as being obese, attributing this trend to unhealthy food environments. These environments often provide easy access to ultra-processed foods and high-sugar options, while nutritious choices remain limited, especially for socio-economically disadvantaged families.

Aibhlín O’Leary, Head of Advocacy at UNICEF Ireland, emphasized the systemic nature of this issue, stating, “This reflects a growing global inequality — and Ireland is not immune. Children in low-income families and communities are the most exposed to unhealthy food environments and the most at risk of long-term health consequences. This isn’t a matter of personal responsibility — it’s a systemic failure.”

Calls for Action and Policy Changes

UNICEF’s findings underscore the urgent need for more robust policies to ensure that every child, regardless of family income, has access to nutritious food. The report indicates that while underweight remains a significant concern for children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of underweight among children aged 5-19 has decreased from nearly 13% in 2000 to 9.2% today. Conversely, obesity rates have surged from 3% to 9.4% during the same period.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, highlighted the critical role nutrition plays in a child’s growth, cognitive development, and mental health. The report points to advertising for unhealthy and ultra-processed foods as a significant factor in the rising obesity rates among children.

In light of its findings, UNICEF has urged governments globally to implement measures to combat increasing obesity rates. These recommendations include banning the sale of ultra-processed and junk foods in schools and strengthening social protection programs aimed at reducing income poverty and improving access to nutritious diets for vulnerable families.

UNICEF Ireland welcomed the inclusion of unhealthy food marketing in the work plan of Coimisiún na Meán, recognizing the need for concerted efforts to address these growing concerns.

As the prevalence of childhood obesity continues to rise, the call for systemic change and greater access to healthy food options becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to protect the health and well-being of future generations.