Childhood obesity surpasses the underweight for the first time: one in ten children in the world suffers from obesity

For the first time in history, childhood obesity has surpassed the low weight rate as the most common form of malnutrition in the world, according to the report "Feeding the Business" published by Unicef.

At present, 188 million children and adolescents (one in ten) are obese , and a total of 391 million are overweight, a figure that has doubled since 2000 .

The report points out that unhealthy eating environments are the main driving force behind this crisis, as a result of access to ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and fast food .

Intensive digital advertising increases the problem

According to the report, 75% of young people say they've seen unhealthy ads in the last week, and 6 out of 10 admit that exposure increases consumption.

Serious health consequences

UNICEF warns that obesity has profound health consequences, both in childhood and in the future:

• Chronic diseases: type 2 diabetes, hypertension and increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Mental impact: anxiety, depression and self-esteem drop.
• Economic cost: if nothing is done, the cost of obesity will exceed $4 trillion a year by 2035.

Unicef has reported that the ultra-processed food industry has a disproportionate impact on governments and hinders the implementation of effective regulations.

However, some countries have taken bold measures : in Mexico, they have banned the sale of ultra-processed foods in public schools; in Spain, they have adopted the Royal Decree on healthy and sustainable school canteens , which has made it possible to offer balanced menus and remove products containing excess sugar, salt and fat from schools.

The organization calls for urgent action, including the following measures:

• Limiting advertising: controlling advertising of food harmful to children.
• Improve labelling: make product information clearer and easier.
• Introduction of special taxeson ultra-processed foods .
• Promote healthy diets and facilitate nutritional nutrition for families.
• Protecting public policies: shielding against industrial pressure.

"The problem is no longer just malnutrition," Unicef CEO Catherine Russell warned. "Childhood obesity has become a global threat and strong policies are needed to ensure that all children have a healthy diet , "she said.