Story perspectives

UN Report: Child Obesity Surpasses Underweight, Urgent Action Needed

9/10/2025

26 3

Summary

Story summary

A UN report shows 188 million children aged 5-19 are now obese, surpassing underweight figures.
Obesity rates rose from 3% in 2000 to 9.4% in 2022, while underweight rates declined from 13% to 9.2%.
Ultra-processed foods are displacing healthier options, negatively affecting children's health.
Pacific Island countries report obesity rates as high as 38%.
UNICEF urges governments to restrict junk food marketing and ban it in schools.
Obesity's economic cost could exceed $4 trillion annually by 2035.

1 of 1

Story summary

A UN report shows 188 million children aged 5-19 are now obese, surpassing underweight figures.
Obesity rates rose from 3% in 2000 to 9.4% in 2022, while underweight rates declined from 13% to 9.2%.
Ultra-processed foods are displacing healthier options, negatively affecting children's health.
Pacific Island countries report obesity rates as high as 38%.
UNICEF urges governments to restrict junk food marketing and ban it in schools.
Obesity's economic cost could exceed $4 trillion annually by 2035.