UNICEF: Junk Food a “Failure of Society” as Global Childhood Obesity Surpasses Hunger

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12, 2025 – In a landmark report, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sounded the alarm on the global obesity crisis, declaring junk food a “failure of society” as childhood obesity overtakes hunger for the first time in recorded history.

The report reveals that nearly 188 million children and adolescents (aged 5–19) worldwide are now living with obesity—equivalent to about one in ten young people. In contrast, the proportion of underweight children has declined from 13% in 2000 to 9.2% today, underscoring a dramatic shift in the world’s nutritional landscape.

Experts attribute this surge to the widespread availability and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are often cheaper and more accessible than fresh, nutritious produce. These products, typically high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, are becoming staples in children’s diets across both developed and developing countries.

UNICEF stressed that the crisis is not simply a matter of personal choice but rather a reflection of the environments societies have created. “This is a systemic failure that undermines children’s right to healthy food,” the report noted.

The agency is urging governments to take immediate action by introducing junk food taxes, banning UPFs in schools, and enforcing stricter restrictions on advertising unhealthy products to children. Without strong policies, UNICEF warns that the long-term health risks—from diabetes and heart disease to reduced life expectancy—will continue to escalate, affecting future generations.

The findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, industries, and communities to reimagine food systems that put children’s health first.