Overview

• UNICEF estimates roughly 188 million 5–19-year-olds are living with obesity in 2025, about one in ten globally.
• Since 2000, obesity in this age group has climbed from 3% to 9.4% as underweight fell to 9.2%, marking the first global crossover.
• Obesity now exceeds underweight in every region except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with the highest rates reported in Pacific islands such as Niue (38%) and the Cook Islands (37%).
• High-income countries also show high prevalence, including Chile at 27% and both the United States and United Arab Emirates at 21%.
• UNICEF urges mandatory measures to improve food environments, including clear labelling, marketing restrictions, fiscal policies, bans on ultra-processed foods in schools, and protections against industry interference.