UNICEF: Childhood obesity in Africa rising, surpassing underweight cases globally
UNICEF is urging African governments to protect children’s diets from unhealthy ingredients
For the first time, obesity among children in Africa is emerging as a growing concern, though underweight children remain an issue in some countries, according to a new UNICEF study.
The report shows that nearly one in 10 children and young people aged 5–19 across the continent are now considered obese, reflecting a global trend where obesity is outpacing underweight among school-age children.
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Researchers blame the rise on a shift away from traditional diets toward cheap, ultra-processed foods, which are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, starch, salt, and additives.
UNICEF is urging African governments to protect children’s diets from unhealthy ingredients
“It’s a growing concern that can affect the health and development of children,” and prevent the ultra-processed food industry from influencing nutrition policies,” Catherine Russell, UNICEF executive director, said.
She emphasised that a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, and protein, is crucial for children’s growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being.
The report highlights that the term “malnutrition” no longer only refers to underweight children.
It now also includes the impact of obesity on health and development. Children are considered overweight when they weigh more than what is healthy for their age, sex, and height. At the same time, obesity is a severe form of being overweight, linked to higher risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers later in life.
Undernutrition remains a serious problem among children aged below five years in many African countries, often manifesting as wasting and stunting. However, among older children and adolescents, obesity is steadily increasing.
Since 2000, the prevalence of underweight children aged 5–19 has declined from nearly 13 per cent to 9.2 per cent, while obesity has jumped from 3 per cent to 9.4 per cent.
Overall, roughly one in five school-age children in Africa is now overweight, including those who are obese, contributing to a double burden of malnutrition on the continent.
Urban areas and wealthier families are most affected, though the rise of obesity is now seen across multiple regions.
The report also notes that some African countries are beginning to face similar trends to high-income nations, highlighting the urgent need for interventions.
“This requires targeted interventions. Nutritious and affordable food must be available to every child to support their growth and development. We urgently need policies that support parents and caretakers to access nutritious and healthy foods for their children,” Russell said.
The report warns of potentially huge health and economic consequences if action is not taken. By 2035, the global economic cost of overweight and obesity is projected to surpass US$4 trillion annually.
UNICEF recommends that African governments take decisive measures, including improving food labelling and marketing regulations, banning ultra-processed foods from school canteens, introducing taxes on unhealthy foods and drinks, and encouraging food producers to reformulate products to limit harmful ingredients.
The agency also calls for nutrition policymaking to be protected from interference by the ultra-processed food industry, and for any political lobbying by the industry to be officially reported.
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