Global Obesity Crisis: 1 in 10 Children Now Obese, India Faces Surge

Obesity has become a pressing global health crisis, with nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide classified as obese, according to a recent report from UNICEF. This alarming statistic highlights a significant shift in health trends, reflecting a rise in obesity rates not just in affluent nations but also in developing countries like India. The latest findings indicate that obesity has now surpassed underweight as the most prevalent form of malnutrition among school-aged children and teenagers globally.

The UNICEF Child Nutrition Global Report 2025 reveals that approximately 188 million children are living with obesity. In South Asia, the increase in obesity is particularly concerning. Data shows that the number of overweight children in the region has soared nearly fivefold since 2000 among those aged 5-19 years. In India, figures from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) show a staggering 127% increase in obesity rates among children under five, rising from 1.5% in 2005-06 to 3.4% in 2019-21.

The rise in obesity is not limited to young children. Adolescent girls in India have seen overweight and obesity rates climb by 125%, while boys have experienced an even more alarming increase of 288%. Among adults, the situation is equally severe, with the prevalence of overweight and obese women rising by 91% and men by 146%.

Looking ahead, the implications of this trend are dire. Projections suggest that by 2030, India could have over 27 million children and teenagers aged 5 to 19 living with obesity, accounting for 11% of the global total. The economic ramifications are equally concerning. The World Obesity Federation estimated that in 2019, obesity-related healthcare costs in India reached nearly $29 billion, representing about 1% of the country’s GDP. If unchecked, this figure could balloon to $839 billion by 2060, or around 2.5% of GDP.

Several factors are contributing to the rapid escalation of obesity rates. Unhealthy diets, particularly the surge in sales of Ultra Processed Foods (UPF), are a significant driver. The sales of these high-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt foods have skyrocketed from $900 million in 2006 to $37.9 billion in 2019, with an annual growth rate exceeding 33%. Aggressive marketing strategies targeting children and teenagers further exacerbate the situation, presenting unhealthy snacks as appealing options.

Moreover, inadequate early-life nutrition also plays a critical role. Many children lack sufficient breastfeeding or access to nutritious foods during their formative years. In India, existing social and gender norms contribute to the nutritional challenges. For instance, girls and women often eat last and least, worsening their nutritional status.

The lifestyle changes brought about by increased screen time have led to decreased physical activity among children. Less outdoor play results in lower levels of exercise, further contributing to obesity.

Dr. William Joe, an expert at the Institute of Economic Growth in Delhi, emphasizes that childhood obesity is challenging to reverse and often persists into adulthood. This can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. Economically, families may find themselves spending significant portions of their income on medical care, while children face psychological impacts such as bullying and low self-esteem.

In response to this escalating crisis, India has launched several initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition and obesity. The Fit India Movement and the Eat Right India campaign promote healthier eating habits and increased physical activity. The POSHAN Abhiyaan 2.0 program focuses on improving nutrition for mothers and young children.

Schools have been provided with guidelines to limit the use of sugar and oil in meals, and the government is advocating for greater awareness by encouraging schools and workplaces to display information about food ingredients. During his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of reducing cooking oil consumption by 10%, suggesting that small lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements in public health.

India has also taken a pioneering step as the first lower-middle-income country to adopt the World Health Organization’s policy aimed at limiting harmful trans fats, thereby fostering better dietary habits.

Experts like Arjan De Wagt, UNICEF India’s Deputy Representative for Programmes, stress the urgency for stronger policy measures. Recommendations include implementing clear nutrition labels on food packaging, enforcing strict regulations on unhealthy food marketing to children, introducing health taxes on sugary beverages and junk food, and providing education on nutrition for young people.

To effectively tackle this growing issue, collaboration among governments, civil society, businesses, and community leaders is essential. Every child deserves access to proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

As obesity becomes a national concern transcending socio-economic boundaries in India, immediate and decisive action is crucial. Without intervention, millions of children may face a future marred by health challenges and diminished quality of life. The time to act is now, as the silent health crisis continues to escalate.