A surreal illustration symbolizing the balance between overnutrition and undernutrition in children.

Tackling the Twin Evils: Understanding and Combating Overweight and Stunting in Children

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Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the rising concerns of childhood malnutrition in Vietnam, revealing the concurrent issues of overweight and stunting and offering insights for parents and caregivers."


In a world increasingly focused on health and wellness, the term 'malnutrition' often conjures images of underweight children in developing nations. However, the reality is far more complex. Today, many countries face a 'double burden' of malnutrition, where undernutrition coexists with overnutrition. This means that alongside stunting (impaired growth and development due to poor nutrition), there's a growing prevalence of overweight and obesity.

This concerning trend isn't just about numbers; it's about the future health and well-being of our children. Both stunting and overweight can have long-lasting consequences, affecting physical and cognitive development, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Understanding the root causes and finding effective solutions is crucial for creating a healthier future for all.

One country grappling with this complex challenge is Vietnam. While significant progress has been made in reducing undernutrition, the rise in overweight and obesity, sometimes occurring simultaneously with stunting in the same child, presents a new set of challenges. This article delves into a recent study examining these trends in Vietnamese children, offering insights and actionable strategies for parents and caregivers to navigate this evolving landscape.

The Vietnamese Paradox: Rising Overweight Amidst Persistent Stunting

A surreal illustration symbolizing the balance between overnutrition and undernutrition in children.

A recent study published in Global Health Action sheds light on the shifting landscape of childhood malnutrition in Vietnam. Researchers followed a cohort of preschool children over three years, tracking changes in the prevalence of overweight, stunting, and the co-occurrence of both. The findings reveal a concerning trend: while stunting rates are declining, overweight and obesity are on the rise, particularly in urban areas. This means that some children are simultaneously experiencing the detrimental effects of both under- and over-nutrition.

The study highlights a significant increase in overweight and obesity among urban children, with prevalence rates nearly doubling over the three-year period. This surge is likely linked to changing lifestyles, including increased consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and reduced physical activity. On the other hand, stunting rates showed a decline, particularly in rural areas, suggesting improvements in access to food and essential nutrients. However, the co-occurrence of overweight and stunting remains a concern, indicating that some children are not receiving the balanced nutrition they need for optimal growth and development.

Here are the key findings from the study:
  • Overweight and obesity are increasing, especially in urban areas.
  • Stunting rates are declining, particularly in rural areas.
  • Concurrent overweight and stunting is a concerning issue.
  • Lifestyle changes are contributing to these trends.
These findings underscore the complexity of addressing childhood malnutrition in a rapidly developing country like Vietnam. It's no longer a simple case of tackling undernutrition; it requires a multifaceted approach that considers the interplay of factors contributing to both under- and over-nutrition. This includes promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and addressing socioeconomic disparities that influence access to nutritious food.

Empowering Parents: Practical Steps for a Healthier Generation

The study's findings may seem daunting, but as a parent or caregiver, you have the power to make a positive impact on your child's health. By focusing on balanced nutrition, promoting physical activity, and creating a supportive environment, you can help your child thrive and avoid the pitfalls of both under- and over-nutrition. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in the long run. It involves creating a supportive and informative environment that promotes long-term health and overall well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/16549716.2018.1517932, Alternate LINK

Title: Overweight, Stunting, And Concurrent Overweight And Stunting Observed Over 3 Years In Vietnamese Children

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Global Health Action

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Loan Minh Do, Lauren Lissner, Henry Ascher

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What does the term 'malnutrition' really mean in the context of children's health?

Malnutrition is a complex issue, manifesting not only as undernutrition, like stunting, but also as overnutrition, such as overweight and obesity. This 'double burden' signifies that individuals can simultaneously suffer from the effects of both insufficient and excessive nutrient intake, leading to long-term health consequences. It's not just about having enough food; it's about having the right balance of nutrients.

2

What are the key findings of the recent study in Vietnam regarding childhood nutrition?

The Vietnamese study revealed a concerning trend: while stunting rates are decreasing, overweight and obesity are on the rise, especially in urban areas. Some children experience both overweight and stunting concurrently, indicating a lack of balanced nutrition. This is attributed to changing lifestyles, including increased consumption of processed foods and reduced physical activity.

3

Could you explain the difference between 'stunting' and 'overweight' and why they're both concerning?

Stunting refers to impaired growth and development in children due to chronic undernutrition. It has long-lasting consequences on physical and cognitive development, affecting their ability to thrive. Overweight, on the other hand, signifies excessive weight gain, often due to high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles. Both conditions can increase the risk of chronic diseases and perpetuate cycles of poverty.

4

As a parent, what practical steps can I take to ensure my child receives balanced nutrition?

Parents and caregivers can promote balanced nutrition by prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods, limiting sugary drinks and snacks, and encouraging regular physical activity. Creating a supportive environment that fosters healthy eating habits and active play is crucial. Addressing socioeconomic disparities that limit access to nutritious food is also essential. By focusing on these factors, parents can help children avoid both stunting and overweight.

5

What are the implications of a child being both overweight and stunted at the same time?

The co-occurrence of overweight and stunting indicates a significant nutritional imbalance. It suggests that children may be consuming enough calories, but not enough essential nutrients for optimal growth and development. This can lead to impaired cognitive function, weakened immune systems, and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Addressing this requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on improving the quality of diets and promoting overall health and well-being.

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