Understanding the Global Malnutrition Picture
Global malnutrition is not a single issue but a complex web of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition. While undernourishment has seen some fluctuations, progress toward eliminating it has stalled in recent years, largely due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflict. Data from the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 shows that while hunger numbers saw a slight decrease from 2023 to 2024, the figures remain stubbornly high, impacting millions globally.
The Stubborn Stalled Progress Against Hunger
After a period of decline, global hunger numbers have remained largely stagnant since 2019. The UN reports that in 2024, an estimated 673 million people were facing hunger, a figure that remains 122 million higher than in 2019, before the pandemic began. This indicates that efforts to combat severe food insecurity have been hampered by recent global crises. The challenge is most acute in Africa, where more than one in five people are affected by hunger. This lack of progress signifies a major setback in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
Child Malnutrition in Crisis
Child malnutrition continues to be a severe issue, particularly undernutrition. The Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates (JME) 2025 reveal that progress toward global nutrition targets is insufficient, with most countries not on track to meet the goals for 2030. Data from 2024 shows alarming rates of child malnutrition:
- Wasting: Globally, 6.6% of children under 5 suffered from wasting, amounting to 42.8 million children. South Asia holds the highest prevalence.
- Stunting: Approximately 23.2% of children under 5 were stunted (too short for age), representing a failure to reach their full potential. While the prevalence has declined from 1990, the rate has plateaued in recent years.
- Overweight: In 2024, 5.7% of children under 5 were overweight, a figure that most countries are struggling to contain. The challenge of overweight and obesity is a growing concern, even in low- and middle-income countries.
The Double Burden of Malnutrition
An increasingly common phenomenon is the "double burden of malnutrition," where undernutrition and overweight/obesity coexist within the same country, community, or even household. This highlights a shift in dietary patterns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where a growing reliance on processed foods contributes to rising obesity rates alongside persistent undernutrition. The World Bank reports that in 2022, while 390 million adults were underweight, 2.5 billion were overweight, including 890 million with obesity. The economic cost of this dual challenge is immense, with significant productivity losses attributed to both undernutrition and obesity.
Comparison of Undernutrition and Overnutrition
This table illustrates the stark contrast between two primary facets of malnutrition, highlighting their distinct characteristics and impact on global health.
| Feature | Undernutrition | Overnutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause | Inadequate intake of calories and nutrients. | Excessive consumption of energy-rich foods, often processed and low in nutritional value. |
| Common Forms | Wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age), underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies. | Overweight and obesity. |
| Affected Populations | Primarily impacts low-income populations and developing regions, especially children under five. | Growing rapidly in both developed and low- and middle-income countries, affecting adults and children. |
| Health Consequences | Weakened immunity, developmental delays, increased susceptibility to disease, and higher child mortality. | Increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. |
| Trends | Global progress has stalled, with numbers remaining high due to recent crises like the pandemic and climate shocks. | Rapidly increasing worldwide, with rates in low- and middle-income countries rising faster than in high-income nations. |
| Socioeconomic Impact | Contributes to a cycle of poverty through reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. | Significant economic costs due to healthcare burdens and reduced workforce productivity. |
Addressing the Crisis with Coordinated Action
Ending malnutrition in all its forms requires a multi-faceted and coordinated approach, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global partners. Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to nutrition depends on securing access to effective nutrition interventions and creating sustainable, resilient food systems. This involves implementing policies that address root causes, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, while also investing in specific, targeted programs.
Key strategies for intervention include:
- Transforming food systems: Creating healthier diets requires systemic changes to food production, distribution, and consumption. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing reliance on global markets in favor of local production can help ensure food security, especially in vulnerable regions.
- Scaling up nutrition interventions: Proven interventions, such as promoting exclusive breastfeeding, providing micronutrient supplementation, and treating severe wasting, need greater investment and wider implementation. Focusing on the critical "1000-day window"—from conception to a child's second birthday—is crucial for preventing irreversible damage from undernutrition.
- Fiscal policies and regulations: Implementing policies like health taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods can help curb the rising tide of overweight and obesity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Improving access to data: Better data collection is essential for accurately monitoring progress and identifying where interventions are most needed. The lack of reliable data in some regions hampers the ability of organizations to respond effectively to the crisis.
The Path Forward: Moving Beyond Stagnation
To reverse the recent stagnation in global hunger and accelerate progress toward ending all forms of malnutrition, a renewed commitment from governments, NGOs, and the private sector is essential. The ongoing climate crisis, economic shocks, and geopolitical conflicts demand more resilient strategies that can withstand future disruptions. Policymakers must move beyond a piecemeal approach and adopt integrated strategies that address both undernutrition and overnutrition simultaneously. By investing in sustainable food systems, targeted nutrition programs, and equitable policies, it is possible to make meaningful progress toward a future where no one is malnourished. For more detailed data and reports, see the UNICEF data resources on child malnutrition trends. [https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/malnutrition/]
Conclusion
Understanding what percent of the global population is malnourished is a dynamic and complex issue that reflects significant ongoing challenges. While overall undernourishment rates have stalled and even reversed in some areas due to recent crises, the global fight against malnutrition must also contend with the simultaneous rise of overweight and obesity. The double burden of malnutrition highlights the need for comprehensive and integrated strategies that address both ends of the nutritional spectrum. Despite significant setbacks, targeted interventions, systemic changes to food systems, and political will offer a pathway to a healthier, more nourished global population. Urgent, coordinated action is required to ensure sustainable improvements and get back on track toward achieving the ambitious 2030 nutrition targets.
