More children are obese than underweight, Unicef warns
For the first time in history, obesity is a bigger problem among children and adolescents than underweight, according to Unicef. Worldwide, one in five children is overweight, while one in 10 - around 188 million - suffers from obesity, putting them at risk of serious, life-threatening diseases.
Unicef’s report, based on data from more than 190 countries, reveals a significant change since 2000. The share of underweight children and adolescents aged between five and 19 fell from 13 per cent to 9.2 per cent, while obesity more than tripled from 3 per cent to 9.4 per cent.
In nearly every region of the world – except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia – obesity is now more common than underweight. The main cause, Unicef warns, is the spread of “unhealthy food environments”, where ultra-processed products high in sugar, salt, fat and additives dominate diets.
“Ultra-processed foods are increasingly replacing fruit, vegetables and protein, while good nutrition is crucial for children’s growth, cognitive development and mental health,” said Unicef executive director Catherine Russell. Children are also heavily targeted by food advertising.
Belgium below European average
In Belgium, 21 per cent of children were overweight in 2022, the same proportion as in 2000. Obesity rates rose only slightly, from 6 to 7 per cent. This means that Belgium remains below the European averages of 24 per cent overweight and 8 per cent obese.
The proportion of underweight children in Belgium also remained stable at 2 per cent, compared to 3 per cent across Europe as a whole.
Unicef warns that without action, childhood overweight and obesity will increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers, while the global economic costs could exceed 4 billion dollars a year by 2035.
The UN agency is urging governments to act through stricter marketing rules, clearer labelling, taxes on unhealthy foods, bans in schools and better access to affordable, nutritious diets.
© BELGA PHOTO SISKA GREMMELPREZ
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