UNICEF report reveals a dangerous increase in childhood obesity across South Asia

In this segment of 5 Live, 2025 Child Nutrition Report of UNICEF focuses on a historical change in the health of detailed children. For the first time, children and teenagers aged 5–19 worldwide are more likely to be thicker than low weight, a trend in South Asia including India. The program has investigated the ‘double burden’ of India’s malnutrition and increasing urban obesity. It is responsible for processed foods and sugars drinks, aggressive marketing and high consumption of sedentary lifestyle. Experts discussed the change with the ‘Khat Pite Ghar Bachacha’ mentality, one of which asked the driving force that “there is pressure and inability to compete the child and match the companions.” Discussions throw light on the need for systemic solutions to deal with the policies of governments like GST on sugar drinks on sugar drinks, to deal with this growing public health issue.