New York, United States (Enmaeya News) — A new UNICEF report shows that, for the first time, more children worldwide are obese than underweight. The study finds that 9.4% of children ages 5 to 19 are now classified as obese, slightly higher than the 9.2% who are underweight.

UNICEF attributes the shift largely to the rise of ultra-processed foods, which are increasingly replacing fruits, vegetables and other nutritious options in children’s diets.

The report, Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children, draws on data from more than 190 countries. It estimates that 188 million school-aged children are affected by obesity, up from just 3% in 2000.

While the Pacific Islands have the highest obesity rates, low- and middle-income countries are seeing the fastest increases, fueled by modern retail and digital food delivery systems that make ultra-processed foods more accessible and affordable than healthy options.

UNICEF is urging governments to take immediate action by regulating marketing, banning ultra-processed foods in schools and helping families access healthier diets. The organization warns that unchecked obesity could lead to long-term health problems and trillions of dollars in global costs by 2035.

The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat childhood obesity and create healthier food environments worldwide.