A new UN report reveals that a healthy diet remains too expensive for one in three people globally, highlighting a crisis in food affordability that demands immediate action. The annual State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report from five UN agencies states that 2.69 billion individuals cannot afford a diverse diet meeting their energy and nutrient needs.
Key Findings on Global Hunger and Healthy Diet Affordability
Global hunger declined for the third consecutive year in 2025, affecting 7.8% of people, down from 8.1% in 2024. Africa showed signs of halting its prolonged upward trend. However, Maximo Torero, chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization, warned that the proportion unable to afford a healthy diet remains 'extremely high.'
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The report calculates the cost of a healthy diet at 4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day, significantly above the extreme poverty line of $3 PPP. Torero noted that government policies have historically subsidized cereals and starchy staples, providing calories but not dietary diversity. This contributes to rising obesity and related diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Obesity Rates on the Rise
According to the World Health Organization, adult obesity increased from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024. 'It's extremely urgent,' Torero said, emphasizing the need to minimize risks and hidden costs from this steep increase.
| Year | Global Adult Obesity Rate |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 12.1% |
| 2024 | 16.2% |
Cost Comparison: Healthy Diet vs. Poverty Line
| Metric | Cost (PPP dollars per day) |
|---|---|
| Healthy diet | $4.28 |
| Extreme poverty line | $3.00 |
Key Takeaways
- 2.69 billion people globally cannot afford a healthy diet.
- The cost of a healthy diet ($4.28 PPP) exceeds the extreme poverty line ($3.00 PPP).
- Adult obesity has risen from 12.1% (2012) to 16.2% (2024).
- Government subsidies should shift from staple grains to diverse, nutrient-rich foods.
- Investment in infrastructure and supply chains is critical to improve food affordability.
FAQ
What does the UN report say about healthy diet affordability?
The report reveals that one in three people (2.69 billion) cannot afford a healthy diet, defined as a diverse diet meeting energy and nutrient needs. The daily cost is $4.28 PPP, significantly above the extreme poverty line.
How much has global hunger changed?
Global hunger declined for the third consecutive year in 2025, affecting 7.8% of the population, down from 8.1% in 2024. However, progress is uneven, and Africa's trend is stabilizing.
Why are obesity rates increasing despite efforts to reduce hunger?
Obesity is rising because many people rely on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Government subsidies have long favored cereals and staples over fruits, vegetables, and proteins, leading to poor dietary diversity.
Torero called for urgent investment in infrastructure, research, and more efficient supply chains to make healthy diets accessible for all. The report's modelling suggests that without systemic change, the goal of zero hunger by 2030 will remain out of reach.
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