Kazakhstan reports 23.2% of children aged 5-9 are overweight

August 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's Health Ministry reported that 23.2% of children aged 5-9 are overweight, based on a 2024 MICS survey. The ministry also recorded 1,104 cases of type 2 diabetes among children under 18 in 2025. The National Scientific Center called for systemic restrictions on marketing unhealthy food to children.

Key Facts

The 2024 MICS survey found 23.2% of children aged 5-9 in Kazakhstan are overweight.
In 2025, Kazakhstan registered 1,104 cases of type 2 diabetes among children under 18, including 237 newly diagnosed.
The 2022 HBSC study showed 66.6% of Kazakhstani adolescents aged 11-15 consumed sugary drinks at least once a week.
In 2025, 110,236 cases of dental caries were registered among children, and 80,169 cases were detected in the first half of 2026.
Kazakhstan's online food retail reached 314 billion tenge in 2025, according to the Bureau of National Statistics.

Childhood Obesity Data

The MICS survey conducted by the Bureau of National Statistics and UNICEF in 2024 found 23.2% of children aged 5-9 are overweight. This means nearly one in four children in that age group is affected. The National Scientific Center named after Salidat Kairbekova stated the problem of fast food consumption among children has become systemic.

Adolescent Dietary Habits

The 2022 HBSC study among adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 found 66.6% consumed sugary drinks at least once a week. Daily consumption of sweets or chocolate was reported by 26.6% of adolescents. Energy drinks were consumed weekly by 17.5% of adolescents, with 3% drinking them daily. The National Scientific Center warned that poor dietary habits increase disease risks.

Health Consequences

In 2025, Kazakhstan registered 1,104 cases of type 2 diabetes among children under 18, including 237 new cases. Type 2 diabetes is linked to excess weight, unbalanced diet, and low physical activity, according to the ministry. Dental caries affected 110,236 children in 2025, and 80,169 cases were detected in the first half of 2026, a 2.4% increase year-on-year.