Obesity in kids now leads malnutrition globally, UNICEF reports

The Silent Epidemic UNICEF Warns of Obesity Leading Malnutrition in Children

A shocking new trend has emerged, according to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) obesity is now leading malnutrition globally among children and adolescents. This drastic shift is largely attributed to the unethical marketing of junk food, which is outpacing undernourishment in kids aged 5-19.

A Dire Picture

The UNICEF report paints a dire picture by 2025, nearly one in 10 individuals within this age group will be living with obesity, fueled by the easy availability of ultra-processed foods. This chronic disease is linked to metabolic disorders such as diabetes, certain cancers, anxiety, and depression.

A Historical Turning Point

For the first time, obesity has surpassed undernourishment as the leading form of malnutrition worldwide among children aged 5-19. In 2022, 8% of kids globally (163 million) were obese, compared to 3% in 2000.

The Culprit Unhealthy Food Marketing

UNICEF attributes the primary culprit to unhealthy food marketing and predatory tactics from the industry. Children are being bombarded by unhealthy food marketing at school, where they are exposed to sugary drinks and salty snacks. These products are often cheaper than fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

A Failure of Society

The agency emphasizes that the fault lies neither with children nor their families but with a failure of society to protect the environments that children grow up in. UNICEF criticizes the false narrative that participating in sports can offset unhealthy diets, emphasizing that physical activity alone cannot outrun the health consequences of an unhealthy diet.

Urgent Measures Needed

To combat this silent epidemic, UNICEF urges governments to take binding measures, including

1. Advertising restrictions
2. Taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods
3. Policies encouraging fresh produce production

It is imperative for society to acknowledge the gravity of this issue and take collective action to promote healthy eating habits and protect children from the ravages of malnutrition.

Moving Forward A Call to Action

As we move forward, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of innovative community engagement strategies. By embracing art forms like murals, we can inspire positive change and promote a healthier, more sustainable future for our children.

In this blog post, we will explore how murals can revolutionize public spaces, challenge societal norms, and foster community cohesion. Stay tuned!

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.