In addition to rising obesity, South Asia continues to carry the largest burden of undernutrition (low birth weight, stunting and wasting) in the world.

It highlighted alarming figures: One in three children under five years old is stunted; one in 10 children under five years old suffers from wasting; and one in four is born with low birth weight.

Likewise, South Asia carries the most considerable anaemia burden globally, affecting almost half of women and adolescent girls in the region.

“Leadership all over South Asia must prioritise collective action to overcome the triple burden of malnutrition so that, together, we can raise a generation of productive, thriving children who can build a strong and prosperous region,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia.

“No company should profit at the cost of children’s health. Governments must put stronger protections in place so that children grow up surrounded by healthy food choices, not junk food marketing,” said Wijesekera.

The report stated that their analysis has found that unhealthy foods and beverages, including ultra-processed foods and drinks, are widely available, inexpensive, and aggressively marketed in the places where children live, learn, and play.