For the first time in history, more children are obese than underweight, according to a recent nutrition report.
The United Nations Children’s Fund shared data from more than 190 countries and said it found that one in 10 school-aged children, or 188 million, are now thought to be affected by obesity.
“Obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia,” the report stated.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said obesity is a growing concern that can impact the health and development of children.
“Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein at a time when nutrition plays a critical role in children’s growth, cognitive development and mental health,” she said.
According to the report, children are considered overweight when they are significantly heavier than what is healthy for their age, sex and height.
Obesity can lead to higher risks of developing insulin resistance and high blood pressure, as well as life-threatening diseases later in life, health officials said.
The report warned that ultra-processed and fast foods are shaping children’s diets through unhealthy food environments, with such products dominating stores and schools.
“Without interventions to prevent childhood overweight and obesity, countries could face lifetime health and economic impacts,” the report said.
The agency is calling for governments and leaders across the world to help in this matter by implementing mandatory policies to improve children’s food environments, banning the provision or sale of ultra-processed and junk foods in schools and strengthening programs to address income poverty and improve financial access to nutritious diets for vulnerable families.
“Nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development. We urgently need policies that support parents and caretakers to access nutritious and healthy foods for their children,” Russell said.
The report did highlight positive steps seen in Mexico, where the government recently banned the sale and distribution of ultra-processed foods and items high in salt, sugar and fat in public schools.
This move has been said to positively impact food environments for over 34 million children.
