According to a major study by UNICEF, the children’s charity, there are now more children with obesity than with underweight worldwide for the first time.

It is currently estimated that about one in ten people aged 5 to 19—roughly 188 million children and young people—suffer from obesity.

Researchers link this trend to the shift from traditional diets to diets based on ultra-processed foods, which are relatively cheap and high in calories.

UNICEF, a United Nations agency, urges governments to protect children’s diets from harmful ingredients and to prevent the food industry from influencing policy decisions.

Even in poorer countries, this is causing serious concern. Children are considered overweight if their weight is significantly above the norm for their age, sex, and height.

Obesity is a severe form of excess weight and is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer later in life. In childhood, proper nutrition—including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein—plays a vital role in growth, cognitive development, and mental health. Yet many traditional diets are being displaced by highly processed foods often high in sugar, starch, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives.

The latest UNICEF data, based on research from over 190 countries, show that the prevalence of underweight children aged 5 to 19 has decreased from almost 13% in 2000 to 9.2%. However, obesity rates have risen from 3% to 9.4%, meaning that nearly one in ten children is now obese.

The number of overweight children, including those with obesity, has increased to the point that currently one in five school-aged children and adolescents are overweight.

According to the study, this is roughly 391 million children worldwide. Obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions of the world, except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The highest rates of childhood and youth obesity are reported in some Pacific island nations, including Niue (38%), the Cook Islands (37%), and Nauru (33%). However, many high-income countries are also facing a serious obesity problem. Among adolescents aged 5 to 19, 27% are obese in Chile, 21% in the United States, and 21% in the United Arab Emirates.