Childhood Obesity Now More Prevalent Than Underweight Worldwide, Fueled by Junk Food
A recent UN report highlights a concerning shift, with more children globally now considered obese than underweight. This trend, documented across 190 countries, reveals that the prevalence of obesity among those aged 5-19 has reached 9.4%, surpassing the 9.2% underweight rate. The report attributes this rise to the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are replacing more nutritious options in children’s diets. Governments are encouraged to implement policies to combat this, including marketing restrictions and healthier food environments.
John Q. Hosedrinker