The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is sounding the alarm. For the first time, obesity has surpassed underweight among children and adolescents. Globally, 1 in 10 children is obese and is at risk of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
The rise in obesity is largely linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods – high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats – and aggressive marketing aimed directly at young people. Even in schools, such products are easily accessible, and digital advertisements reinforce children's desire to consume them.
In Romania, the number of overweight children aged 5 to 19 has doubled, from 10% in 2000 to 23% in 2022. During the same period, the percentage of obese people has increased from 2% to 9%. Other countries such as Chile, the United States and Mexico often face high obesity rates.
UNICEF experts stress that urgent interventions – such as school restrictions, taxes on sugary drinks and nutrition education programs – are essential to protect young people’s health. “Every child must have access to nutritious food to grow healthy and develop properly,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director.
Source: UNICEF
Transforming food environments and reducing the influence of the ultra-processed food industry are important steps for children's healthy futures.