A dramatic shift in global childhood nutrition is sending ripples through public health and the business landscape.
The 2025 Child Nutrition Report shows that, for the first time, overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 have overtaken underweight, marking a major turning point in global malnutrition patterns.
The report highlights that the number of overweight children in this age group has doubled since 2000, with low- and middle-income countries now bearing 81 percent of the global burden, up from 66 percent in 2000.
These figures point to a growing “double burden” of malnutrition, where obesity and undernutrition coexist, challenging governments, health systems, and industries alike.
Rising childhood obesity is expected to increase healthcare costs over the long term, as affected populations face higher risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions.
This trend could strain public health budgets, particularly in emerging markets already balancing limited resources.
The workforce implications are also notable. Health complications stemming from early-life obesity can reduce productivity and labor participation in adulthood, adding indirect costs to economic growth.
For businesses, the shift signals both a challenge and an opportunity: companies may need to reformulate products, develop healthier offerings, and adjust marketing strategies to meet changing consumer expectations.
Unhealthy food environments, characterized by widespread availability of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages, remain the central driver of this trend.
The report stresses that interventions targeting both undernutrition and overnutrition are urgently needed, including public health campaigns, regulatory measures, and private sector engagement to improve the quality and accessibility of foods.
Low- and middle-income countries are particularly exposed, facing rising obesity alongside persistent undernutrition. Without coordinated action, these nations could see escalating healthcare spending, reduced workforce productivity, and slower economic advancement, even as consumer markets continue to expand.
