According to a new study by UNICEF, for the first time across the globe, children who are overweight have surpassed children who are considered underweight. This is a shocking statistic that highlights the rise of obesity and poor nutrition in today’s youth. 

UNICEF works to address child malnutrition in many countries. “The double burden of malnutrition has dire consequences for the health and future potential of children, communities and nations,” the report states. 

While one might think developed countries are facing the highest rates of obesity, actually UNICEF found that low- and middle-income countries are experiencing the steepest rise in rates of overweight in school-aged children and adolescents. 

This begs the question: why? What is different now than in years before?

It’s an “unhealthy food environment,” UNICEF states. 

“These environments expose children and adolescents to a constant supply of cheap, ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, while failing to make nutritious options available and affordable to families,” the report says.

Healthy nutrition is so important, especially in children, who are developing their minds and bodies. 

The UNICEF report outlines solutions to this growing problem, both through actions by governmental bodies and the food and beverage industry, including: marketing restrictions, food labeling and taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages.

As we wrote about in Friday’s edition of the Democrat, with New York introducing free school meals for all, we hope that this includes healthy options for breakfast and lunch. 

According to the New York State Department of Health, 24.3 percent of students in Sullivan County are obese, which is among the highest in the state, and higher than the national rate of 19.7 percent. 

Healthy food should be affordable and accessible to all.