UNICEF Child Nutrition Report 2025 Flags Rising Childhood Obesity

UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Report 2025 warns of a sharp rise in childhood obesity, fueled by ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and aggressive digital marketing. The report notes that 5% of under-5 children and 20% of those aged 5–19 are overweight, with obesity (9.4%) now surpassing underweight (9.2%). South Asia has seen overweight cases among 5–19-year-olds grow nearly fivefold since 2000. Policy gaps remain severe, only 7% of countries mandate clear food labels and just 8% subsidize healthy foods.