WORLDWIDE – For the first time, there are more children in the world who are obese than underweight, according to a major study by children’s charity, UNICEF.
Around 1 in 10 of those aged between 5 and 19 years old – that’s around 188 million children and young people – are now thought to be affected by obesity.
Researchers blame a shift from traditional diets to ones heavily reliant on ultra-processed foods that are relatively cheap and high in calories.
UNICEF is urging governments to protect children’s diets from unhealthy ingredients and stop the ultra-processed food industry from interfering in policy decisions.
Latest data draws on data from more than 190 countries.
The report estimates that by 2035, the global economic impact of overweight and obesity is expected to surpass US$4 trillion annually.
