New York: For the first time in history, obesity among the world’s children and adolescents has overtaken underweight, according to a new UNICEF report that highlights a major shift in global nutrition trends.

The data shows that between 2000 and 2022, obesity among those aged 5 to 19 tripled, rising from 3 percent to 9.4 percent. In the same period, the share of underweight youth fell from around 13 percent to 9.2 percent. This means obesity is now more prevalent than underweight across most regions of the world, except in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

UNICEF attributed the surge to the widespread availability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Around 75 percent of young people reported being exposed to advertising for unhealthy foods in just the past week. Experts warned that this marketing environment, combined with the affordability and accessibility of processed foods, has accelerated the nutrition crisis.

Some regions are experiencing extreme rates. In Pacific Island nations such as Niue and the Cook Islands, nearly 40 percent of children are obese. High-income countries are also facing alarming numbers, with childhood obesity affecting about 21 percent in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The Guardian noted that ultra-processed foods are increasingly replacing traditional diets in low- and middle-income countries, driven by digital marketing, modern retail chains and delivery platforms. Analysts warn that the long-term consequences include a surge in chronic diseases and heavy economic costs by 2035.

A Lancet Commission report earlier this year projected that by 2030, 464 million adolescents will be living with overweight or obesity, an increase of 143 million compared to 2015. It also pointed to broader adolescent health concerns, including rising mental health challenges and the impact of climate change.

Health experts stress that urgent policy measures are needed, such as tighter controls on junk food marketing, stronger school nutrition standards and support to make healthy food affordable and accessible. Without immediate global action, UNICEF warns, the world faces a mounting public health crisis where obesity becomes the defining nutritional challenge of the next generation.