A new report from the United Nations Children’s Fund has revealed a dramatic shift in global child health: more school-age children and adolescents are now living with obesity than underweight.
The report estimates that 188 million young people are affected by obesity worldwide.
According to data analyzed from over 190 countries, obesity has surpassed underweight in every region except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
UNICEF warned that this trend poses serious health risks, as obesity is a severe form of overweight linked to conditions such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The scale of the problem has surged over the last 25 years. The number of overweight children has doubled from 194 million in 2000 to 391 million in 2025, with a significant share classified as obese.
Some of the highest obesity rates were recorded in Pacific Island nations. Niue topped the list with 38% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 affected, followed by the Cook Islands (37%) and Nauru (33%).
High-income countries also showed worrying levels, with Chile recording 27% and both the United States and United Arab Emirates reporting 21%.
Experts say the rise is closely tied to the spread of ultra-processed foods, products high in sugar, salt, refined starch, and unhealthy fats, that are aggressively marketed to children.
These foods are increasingly replacing healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
“When we talk about malnutrition, it no longer only means being underweight,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. “Obesity is a growing threat that affects children’s health, growth, and mental development.”
Patterns also differ depending on income levels. In wealthier nations, obesity tends to be more common among children from poorer families who rely on cheap, nutrient-poor foods.
In contrast, in low-income countries, children from wealthier households are more likely to be overweight because of access to larger quantities of calorie-dense foods.
Middle-income nations face challenges across all social groups, with processed foods widely available.
While the prevalence of underweight among children aged 5–19 has dropped from nearly 13% in 2000 to 9.2% today, UNICEF stressed that undernutrition remains a pressing issue for children under 5 in low- and middle-income countries, where wasting and stunting are still widespread.
