- Fit India and healthy lifestyle is necessary to deal with obesity
- School girls will be educated through posters
- obesity conscious
- Due to poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle, obesity is increasing in childrenObesity is being
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government has started a campaign to deal with the problem of obesity in India. It is worth noting that during the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games held in Dehradun on 28 January 2025, Prime Minister Shri Modi had appealed to the countrymen for Fit India and Healthy Lifestyle Campaign to get rid of obesity. Under this campaign, a campaign has been started to deal with the problem of obesity in the country. Under this, school children will be made aware of the problem of obesity caused by fast food and sweet beverages through posters. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government has started a campaign for Fit India and Healthy Lifestyle on the call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to deal with the problem of obesity in the state.
It is noteworthy that obesity has become a serious public health challenge in the present times, affecting both adults and children. According to the National Family Health Survey NFHS, one in every five adults in urban areas is overweight or obese. According to The Lancet GBD 2021 Obesity Forecast Study (2025), India may become the second most affected country in the world in terms of obesity burden by 2050, where the number of obese adults may increase from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores. Obesity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers. It also affects mental health, mobility and quality of life. Also, it increases the economic burden through health care costs and productivity loss.
Obesity is a result of genetics, unhealthy diets and low physical activity. The integration of global food markets has increased the availability of processed and high-fat, salt, sugar foods, leading to an increase in per capita calorie intake. Obesity in children is rising due to poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. It affects physical health as well as children’s self-esteem, mental health and school performance.
The Ministry of Health has launched several initiatives to tackle obesity and lifestyle diseases. Under the guidelines issued on May 10, 2025, instructions have been given to install oil and sugar boards in workplaces, schools and public institutions. Information about the amount of hidden fat and sugar in food items is displayed on these boards, so that people can choose a balanced diet.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed schools to set up oil boards and sugar boards to make students aware of the risks of excessive oil and sugar intake. Schools have also been requested to provide healthy food and encourage physical activities such as stair climbing, short exercises and walking routes.
The government has promoted nutritious food and coarse grains such as jowar, bajra through programmes such as Poshan Abhiyaan and Eat Right India. These crops are nutrient-rich, gluten-free, and helpful in preventing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, health and nutrition education has been made part of the curriculum in schools. Under Ayushman Bharat’s School Health and Wellness Programme, teachers are being trained as health and wellness ambassadors who teach healthy habits to children.
CBSE and the Ministry of Health have emphasized on organizing awareness seminars and workshops in schools and workplaces. These are aimed at educating students and staff about the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise, the risks of high fat, sugar and salt foods and ultra-processed foods, and promoting experiential learning, such as designing oil and sugar boards by students. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made available awareness material and posters on its YouTube channel, which can be used by schools and workplaces.
A collective effort of the government, schools, and communities is required to tackle the growing problem of obesity in India. Initiatives such as the Fit India Movement, Poshan Abhiyaan, and Eat Right India are playing a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Oil and sugar boards and awareness seminars in schools are motivating children to adopt healthy habits from an early age. By promoting behavior change in workplaces and public places, India can move towards a healthy and empowered nation. All citizens are appealed to actively participate in these initiatives and make the vision of a healthy India a reality.