More of the world’s children are now obese than underweight, UNICEF warns

UNICEF Report: Childhood Obesity Now Outpaces Underweight Worldwide

More school-age children and adolescents are now obese than underweight, according to a new report by the United Nations’ children’s agency, UNICEF, which estimates that 188 million young people are affected globally.

Researchers analyzing data from over 190 countries found that obesity has overtaken underweight in every region of the world except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The World Health Organization defines obesity as excessive fat accumulation that poses health risks. UNICEF explains that children are considered overweight when their weight is significantly higher than what is healthy for their age, sex, and height. Obesity, a more severe form of overweight, increases the likelihood of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.

The report revealed that the number of overweight children has doubled over the past 25 years — from 194 million to 391 million — with a substantial share classified as obese.

Some of the highest rates were recorded in Pacific Island nations, including Niue (38% of children aged 5–19), the Cook Islands (37%), and Nauru (33%). High-income countries also reported concerning figures, such as Chile (27%), the United States (21%), and the United Arab Emirates (21%).

Outside sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, obesity has become more prevalent than underweight, fueled by widespread consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods high in sugar, refined starch, salt, and unhealthy fats.

“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about children who are underweight,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. “Obesity is an increasing concern that threatens children’s health and development. Ultra-processed food is replacing fruits, vegetables, and protein at a stage when good nutrition is vital for growth, learning, and mental health.”

Patterns also vary by income level. In wealthier countries, obesity is more common among children from low-income households, often linked to cheaper, nutrient-poor diets. In poorer nations, it is more prevalent among children from wealthier families who can afford calorie-dense foods. In middle-income countries, overweight spans across all income groups due to the wide availability of processed foods and sugary drinks.

While underweight among children aged 5–19 has dropped globally from nearly 13% in 2000 to 9.2%, undernutrition remains a pressing issue among children under five in many low- and middle-income countries, where stunting and wasting are still widespread.

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