UNICEF: Number of obese children worldwide surpasses underweight children for the first time
The United Nations International Children's Fund ( UNICEF ) has stated that the number of obese children worldwide has surpassed the number of underweight children for the first time.
According to a UNICEF report based on data collected from more than 190 countries, 1 in 10 school-aged children is affected by obesity.
Threatening the lives of 188 million children188 million children affected by obesity are at risk of developing life-threatening diseases.
Since 2000, the underweight rate among children aged 5-19 has decreased from 13 percent to 9.2 percent, while the obesity rate has increased from 3 percent to 9.4 percent.
Childhood obesity rates have surpassed underweight rates in all regions of the world except Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that obesity is a source of concern that can affect children's health and development, pointing out that ultra-processed foods are increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and protein.
The report also called on governments and civil society organisations to take measures to ensure children have access to nutritious food.
BirGün
