Wed Sep 10 20:52:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the UNICEF report as it might appear in “The Hindu,” along with a brief introduction:
**The Hindu: Health Matters**
**Published: September 11, 2025, 02:22 am IST**
**Obesity Overtakes Underweight Globally, Threatening Children’s Health**
**NEW DELHI:** A new UNICEF report reveals a concerning global shift in child malnutrition: obesity has surpassed underweight as the most prevalent form. Published today, the report warns that one in ten school-aged children and adolescents, totaling 188 million worldwide, are now obese, putting them at increased risk of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
The report, drawing on data from over 190 countries, highlights that while underweight prevalence among children aged 5-19 has declined since 2000, obesity rates have surged. This marks a turning point, as obesity now affects 9.4% of this age group, compared to 9.2% who are underweight. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia remain the exceptions where underweight is still more prevalent.
“When we talk about malnutrition, we are no longer just talking about underweight children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Obesity is a growing concern that can impact the health and development of children. Ultra-processed food is increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein at a time when nutrition plays a critical role in children’s growth, cognitive development and mental health.”
The report identifies the rise of ultra-processed and fast foods, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, as a key driver of this trend. These foods dominate shops and schools, and aggressive digital marketing targets young consumers. The report cautions that this dietary shift, driven by unhealthy food environments rather than informed personal choices, could have lifetime health and economic consequences for countries.
UNICEF is urging governments, civil society, and partners to take immediate action to transform food environments. Their recommendations include:
* **Mandatory policies** to improve children’s food environments, including food labeling, marketing restrictions, and food taxes and subsidies.
* **Social and behavior change initiatives** to empower families and communities to demand healthier food environments.
* **Banning the sale of ultra-processed and junk foods in schools.**
* **Prohibiting food marketing and sponsorship in schools.**
By implementing these measures, UNICEF hopes to ensure children have access to nutritious diets and prevent the long-term health and economic burdens associated with childhood obesity.
First Piper 