Addressing the Rising Obesity Crisis in India
India is witnessing a significant increase in obesity rates, prompting urgent measures to promote healthier lifestyles among its population. The Central Board of School Education (CBSE) has taken a proactive step by directing all affiliated schools to establish 'Oil Boards' and raise awareness about the harmful effects of excessive oil consumption. This initiative follows the earlier directive regarding 'Sugar Boards,' which aimed to address the growing concern of sugar intake.
Understanding the Health Challenges
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, over one in five adults in urban areas are either overweight or obese. Furthermore, the Lancet Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, published in 2025, forecasts that the number of overweight and obese adults in India will surge from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores by 2050. This projection places India as the country with the second-highest global burden of obesity.
The data also highlights a concerning trend: the prevalence of childhood obesity is largely influenced by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity. As a result, there is an urgent need for intervention at both the individual and institutional levels.
CBSE's Initiative to Combat Obesity
In response to these alarming statistics, the CBSE has issued a directive to all school heads to implement several measures aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle among students and staff. These include:
- Installing Oil Board displays in common areas to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive oil consumption.
- Printing health messages on official stationery and publications to reinforce daily reminders on combating obesity.
- Promoting healthy meals by offering nutritious food options such as more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat choices, while limiting sugary drinks and high-fat snacks.
- Encouraging physical activity through initiatives like using stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes.
These steps are designed to create a supportive environment that encourages students and staff to make healthier choices and adopt long-term wellness habits.
Government's Broader Efforts
The Union Health Ministry has also launched a campaign to combat the rise of obesity and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In June, the ministry proposed prominently displaying boards in schools, offices, and institutions that indicate the oil and sugar content in popular food items, including pizzas, burgers, samosas, vada paav, and kachori. This initiative aims to inform the public about the nutritional content of their food and encourage healthier eating habits.
Prime Minister's Call to Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently highlighted the importance of addressing obesity and lifestyle diseases. In March of this year, he urged people to reduce their cooking oil consumption by 10%. His message emphasized the need for proactive steps to "reduce obesity" and stressed the significance of decreasing oil usage by 10% each month.
Modi also addressed the rising concern of lifestyle diseases, particularly obesity, which has become a major health threat. He referenced a recent report predicting that over 440 million Indians could suffer from obesity by 2050. This figure underscores the urgency of taking action to prevent serious health issues that could affect one in every three people.
A Vision for a Healthy Nation
The Prime Minister emphasized that India's vision of becoming a developed nation can only be achieved through a healthy population. He encouraged the inclusion of regular physical activity, such as walking a few kilometers daily, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent obesity.
Through these collective efforts, India is striving to create a healthier future for its citizens. By raising awareness, promoting healthy habits, and implementing targeted initiatives, the country is working towards reducing the burden of obesity and improving overall public health.
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