For the first time in recorded history, more children worldwide are obese than underweight, according to a new Unicef report. The study highlights that one in 10 children globally is now obese, with the surge driven primarily by the widespread availability and consumption of cheap, ultra-processed junk food.
Unicef warns that the nutritional crisis is being fueled by aggressive marketing and the affordability of unhealthy food options, which are increasingly displacing traditional, nutrient-rich diets. The agency stressed that the trend poses serious long-term health risks, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and called for urgent action from governments to regulate food systems, promote healthier diets, and support families in making better nutritional choices.
The findings mark a historic shift in global child health, underscoring how modern food environments are reshaping the battle against malnutrition.
