29 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : An estimated 188 million children and adolescents across the world are currently living with obesity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting a rapidly escalating global public health challenge. The alarming figure underscores how childhood and adolescent obesity has evolved from a problem limited to high-income countries into a worldwide issue affecting low-, middle-, and high-income nations alike.
The WHO has repeatedly cautioned that childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges of the 21st century. Once considered rare in developing regions, obesity among young people is now rising fastest in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban areas. Changes in dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and increased exposure to processed and calorie-dense foods have significantly contributed to this trend.
According to health experts, obesity in children and adolescents is not merely a cosmetic concern but a serious medical condition with long-term consequences. Young people living with obesity face a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and musculoskeletal disorders at a much earlier age. Additionally, obesity in childhood often continues into adulthood, further increasing health risks later in life.
The WHO has emphasized that modern lifestyles play a central role in this growing crisis. Increased screen time, sedentary behavior, and a decline in outdoor play and physical education have reduced daily energy expenditure among children. At the same time, aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats has shaped eating habits from an early age. Sugary beverages and ultra-processed snacks have become widely accessible, affordable, and heavily promoted, especially to younger audiences.
Socioeconomic factors also influence childhood obesity rates. In many countries, healthier food options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are often more expensive or less accessible than processed alternatives. Families with limited income may rely on cheaper, calorie-dense foods, increasing the risk of obesity among children. In urban environments, lack of safe spaces for physical activity further compounds the problem.
The psychological and social impact of obesity on children and adolescents is another major concern. Young people living with obesity are more likely to experience stigma, bullying, discrimination, and low self-esteem. These challenges can negatively affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The WHO stresses that addressing obesity requires sensitivity, as stigma can worsen health outcomes rather than improve them.
The global rise in childhood obesity also places a growing burden on healthcare systems. Treating obesity-related conditions over a lifetime can significantly increase healthcare costs for individuals and governments. Early prevention, experts argue, is far more effective and economical than managing chronic diseases later in life.
In response, the WHO has called for coordinated, multisectoral action involving governments, schools, healthcare providers, communities, and the food industry. Policy measures such as regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, improving food labeling, promoting physical education in schools, and encouraging healthier school meals are seen as critical steps. Some countries have already introduced taxes on sugary drinks and restrictions on junk food advertising, showing early signs of positive impact.
Schools are viewed as a key setting for intervention. Ensuring regular physical activity, nutrition education, and access to healthy meals can play a significant role in shaping lifelong habits. The WHO also emphasizes the importance of involving families, as parents and caregivers strongly influence children’s eating patterns and activity levels.
Technology and urban planning are also part of the conversation. Designing cities that encourage walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation can help promote active lifestyles. At the same time, balanced use of digital technology—limiting excessive screen time while promoting active engagement—can support healthier routines for children and adolescents.
Despite the scale of the challenge, public health experts remain hopeful. Awareness around nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being has increased in recent years, and many governments are beginning to recognize childhood obesity as a priority issue. However, the WHO warns that without urgent and sustained action, the number of children and adolescents living with obesity is likely to rise further in the coming decades.
The figure of 188 million is more than just a statistic—it represents millions of young lives at risk of preventable health problems. The WHO’s message is clear: tackling childhood and adolescent obesity requires collective responsibility, long-term commitment, and policies that place children’s health at the center of development and economic planning.
Summary:
WHO reports 188 million children and adolescents worldwide are living with obesity, warning of serious health, social, and economic consequences and urging urgent global action to prevent a worsening public health crisis.