Why More Kids Are Obese Than Underweight — And What Practitioners Can Do

Not long ago, global health concerns centered on undernutrition in children, specifically the lack of sufficient calories, protein, or essential nutrients. But today, a very different picture is emerging. According to UNICEF’s recent report, for the first time in history, more children worldwide are overweight or obese than underweight.

It’s a dramatic shift, and one that every holistic practitioner should be paying attention to. Childhood obesity is no longer a problem isolated to wealthy nations. It has become a global health challenge, and the ripple effects will shape the health of the next generation.

How Did We Get Here?

When we step back, the causes are clear. Food environments have changed dramatically.

• The rise of ultra-processed foods: Supermarkets and convenience stores are now dominated by packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. These products are inexpensive, calorie-dense, and aggressively marketed to children.
• Lifestyle shifts: Kids spend more time sitting in classrooms, in front of screens, or doing homework and less time actively playing.
• Targeted marketing: Bright packaging, cartoon mascots, and social media advertising directly appeal to kids, normalizing unhealthy food choices.
• Nutrition confusion: Many parents want to feed their children well but are unsure what “healthy” really means when labels can be misleading.

The result is a generation of children consuming more sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats than ever before — often without the balancing nutrients their growing bodies need.

Why This Matters for Practitioners

Childhood obesity is not just about weight. It’s tied to long-term health risks, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early-onset joint problems. Beyond physical health, children often face emotional challenges such as low self-esteem, social stigma, and anxiety.

Holistic practitioners are uniquely positioned to help. Unlike conventional approaches that often focus only on calorie counting or “weight loss,” holistic care looks at the whole child — environment, nutrition, movement, emotional health, and family dynamics. This broader lens makes it possible to create sustainable change.

What Practitioners Can Do

Here are a few ways holistic practitioners can support families navigating this challenge:

1. Educate Parents About Real Nutrition

Many families simply don’t know how to spot the difference between whole, nourishing foods and highly processed products marketed as “healthy.” Adding Nutrition Coaching to your practice can provide your patients with the education and practical tools they need to get their families on the path to eating well and feeling great.

2. Encourage Family-Centered Change

Children rarely make their own food choices. Shifting family eating habits is more effective than targeting the child alone. Guide parents toward small, realistic steps: swapping soda for water, packing fresh snacks, or cooking one more meal at home each week.

3. Integrate Movement Naturally

Not every family can sign up for sports teams or a gym membership. Encourage daily movement through play, family walks, dancing, or biking. Helping parents reframe exercise as a “fun activity” reduces resistance and builds consistency.

4. Address Emotional Eating

Food is often tied to comfort, celebration, or stress. Practitioners can help families recognize emotional triggers and explore healthier coping strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, or outdoor play.

5. Partner with Schools and Communities

School canteens, vending machines, and after-school programs shape children’s daily choices. Practitioners can advocate for healthier school meals, run parent education nights, or connect families with local community gardens and farmers’ markets.

A Holistic Opportunity

The fact that more children are overweight than underweight is sobering, but it’s also an opportunity. Holistic practitioners can be powerful advocates for change by blending nutrition education and coaching, lifestyle guidance, and emotional support.

Parents are looking for answers, and many are overwhelmed by conflicting information. When practitioners step in with compassion, practical tools, and whole-family strategies, they not only help individual children but also contribute to changing the healthcare paradigm.

Childhood obesity is not a problem that can be solved overnight. But with patient education, supportive nutrition coaching, and simple, sustainable changes, holistic practitioners can guide families toward healthier habits that last a lifetime.

By addressing nutrition, movement, and emotional well-being together, we can help today’s children grow into tomorrow’s healthier, more resilient adults.