UNICEF report reveals alarming rise in childhood obesity across South Asia

In this segment of 5 Live, the focus is on a historic shift in children's health detailed in UNICEF's 2025 Child Nutrition Report. For the first time, children and adolescents aged 5-19 worldwide are more likely to be obese than underweight, a trend mirrored in South Asia, including India. The programme examines India's 'double burden' of coexisting malnutrition and rising urban obesity. This is attributed to higher consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks,



aggressive marketing, and sedentary lifestyles. 

Experts discuss the shift from the 'khate pite ghar ka bachcha' mindset, with one stating the driving force is "the pressure and the inability of the child to compete and match the peers." The discussion highlights the need for systemic solutions, from government policies like the GST on sugary drinks to parental responsibility and changes in the food system, to combat this growing public health issue.