Childhood Obesity in Albania 2024: UNICEF Report Findings
A new UNICEF report (2025) titled “Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children” has revealed alarming data about global childhood obesity. According to the report, 17% of children under the age of 5 in Albania were overweight in 2024.
This figure is almost three times higher than the global average of 5% and double the average in Europe and Central Asia (8%). While concerning, the data also highlight a positive trend for Albania, as childhood overweight levels have dropped from 22% in 2012 to 17% in 2024.
Albania Compared to Other Countries
In the global ranking for 2024, Albania follows countries like:
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Australia – highest worldwide with 26% of children under 5 overweight.
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Tunisia – 18%.
In the Balkan region:
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North Macedonia: 12% (no progress since 2012).
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Serbia: 12% (improvement from 15% in 2012).
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Montenegro: 9% (down from 15% in 2012).
In Europe:
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Greece: 14%
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Portugal: 9%
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England: 8%
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Poland: 9%
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Netherlands: 5%
Globally, some of the lowest levels were reported in:
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Germany: 3%
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Japan: 2%
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Bangladesh: 2%
Progress Toward 2030 Goals
The UNICEF report notes that Albania is on track to meet the 2030 global targets for reducing childhood overweight. However, the rate remains significantly above the global average, highlighting the urgent need for:
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Improved child nutrition policies
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Greater access to healthy foods
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Public health initiatives targeting early childhood
Albania has made notable progress in reducing childhood overweight rates over the last decade, but challenges remain. With 17% of children under 5 overweight, the country must continue to address nutrition, food environments, and public awareness to prevent long-term health consequences.