Childhood Obesity Surpasses Underweight Globally, WHO Warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that childhood obesity is rising worldwide. In 2025, about 1 in 10 school-aged children and teenagers—around 188 million—are living with obesity. For the first time in history, this number has become higher than the number of children who are underweight.

Earlier this week, the WHO released a new global guideline aimed at helping countries create healthy school food environments. The guideline is based on scientific evidence and provides clear advice on policies and actions that schools can take to support healthy eating for children.

For the first time, the WHO is recommending a “whole school approach”. This means that schools should ensure that all food and drinks provided on campus, including canteens, vending machines, and school events, are healthy and nutritious. The goal is to make it easier for children to make healthy food choices throughout the day.

The WHO stresses that healthy eating at school is critical for children’s growth, learning, and long-term health. By adopting these guidelines, schools can help prevent obesity, reduce health risks, and encourage good eating habits from a young age.

Experts hope that countries around the world will implement these policies to protect children and create a supportive environment for healthy development.