According to a new UN report, the number of overweight children has for the first time exceeded the number of undernourished worldwide, Radar Armenia says.
The document warns that processed and poor-quality foods are increasingly dominating children’s diets. UNICEF data show that 188 million school-aged children and adolescents are obese, placing them at greater risk of life-threatening illnesses and hindering healthy development.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated: “When we talk about malnutrition, we no longer mean just undernourishment. Obesity is becoming a growing concern. Ultra-processed foods are gradually replacing fruits, vegetables, and proteins—at a time when proper nutrition is essential for children’s growth, cognitive development, and mental health.”
The report highlights that 9.4% of children aged 5–19 are obese, while 9.2% are undernourished. In 2000, 13% of children in this age group were undernourished, while only 3% were obese. Today, obesity is considered the most widespread nutritional disorder globally, with the exception of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Even in countries where many children still lack food, obesity has become a noticeable issue.
The report further notes that one in five children aged 5–19 is overweight. Among the 291 million children in this age group, obesity prevalence has risen from 30% in 2000 to 42% in 2022.
