UNICEF reports that, for the first time, global childhood obesity has surpassed underweight rates, with one in ten school-aged children now obese, about 188 million worldwide. Meanwhile, one in five children under 19 years old globally, or 391 million, is overweight.

    Kids are considered overweight if they carry excess weight for their age, sex and height, while obesity is a more severe form that greatly increases the risk of serious health problems later in life. Between year 2000 and 2022, obesity rates among those aged 5 to 19 more than tripled from 3% to 9.4%, while underweight cases fell.

    The shift is driven by the rise of ultra-processed foods, which are replacing fruits, vegetables and proteins. Obesity hotspots are emerging worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries still battling undernutrition, while wealthy nations like the United States, United Arab Emirates and Chile also show high rates. Pacific Island nations face the highest prevalence, with up to 40% of youth obese.

    The crisis is fueled by aggressive junk food marketing, with 75% of children exposed weekly. Obesity raises risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. UNICEF is calling for urgent restrictions on unhealthy food marketing and school bans, warning of severe health impacts for the next generation.