Summary
A Unicef report states that more children worldwide are now obese rather than underweight. The rise in obesity is linked to a shift from traditional diets to more ultra-processed foods. Unicef is calling for government actions to protect children's diets and combat obesity.
Key Facts
- More children worldwide are now obese rather than underweight, says Unicef.
- Around 10% of children aged 5-19, about 188 million, are affected by obesity.
- The increase in obesity is partly due to shifting from traditional diets to ultra-processed foods.
- Unicef is urging governments to protect children's diets from unhealthy foods.
- Obesity can lead to health problems like type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
- Since 2000, underweight rates in children 5-19 have decreased from 13% to 9.2%.
- Obesity rates in children have increased from 3% to 9.4% over the same period.
- The highest child obesity rates are in some Pacific Islands, with significant rates also in countries like Chile and the USA.
