One in Three People Globally Can’t Afford a Healthy Diet, UN Report Reveals

A new UN report highlights a global crisis: nearly one-third of people cannot afford a nutritious diet, underscoring urgent challenges to food security and health.

The study estimates 2.69 billion individuals lack access to a diverse, nutrient-rich diet, stressing that achieving zero hunger by 2030 requires unprecedented efforts.

While global hunger decreased for the third consecutive year in 2025, with 7.8% affected compared to 8.1% in 2024, progress in Africa has stalled after years of rising numbers.

Maximo Torero, the FAO’s chief economist, notes that the cost of a healthy diet exceeds the extreme poverty line, measured at $3 PPP daily, calling for policy shifts to prioritize affordability of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

Torero argues that governments have historically subsidized staples like cereals over diverse foods, contributing to rising obesity and diet-related diseases. WHO data shows adult obesity rose from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024.

The report urges investment in supply chain efficiency to lower costs for meat, dairy, and fresh produce. Policies promoting fruit and vegetable consumption could reduce long-term health and economic burdens linked to poor diets.

Africa now leads globally in hunger, with 309 million people affected in 2025, surpassing Asia’s 292 million. Despite a slight decline in hunger rates, funding cuts for development aid and Middle East shipping disruptions threaten future progress.

The report, co-authored by five UN agencies, emphasizes that addressing food affordability and dietary diversity is critical to combating hunger, malnutrition, and preventable diseases worldwide.”

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