Addressing the Rising Obesity Crisis in India
India is witnessing a growing concern over the increasing prevalence of obesity, which is now considered a major public health challenge. The Central Board of School Education (CBSE) has taken a proactive step to address this issue by directing all affiliated schools to establish "Oil Boards" and promote a healthier lifestyle among students. This initiative follows an earlier circular issued on 14 May 2025, which focused on "Sugar Boards."
According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, conducted between 2019 and 2021, more than one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese. Further, the Lancet Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, published in 2025, predicts that the number of overweight and obese adults in India will rise 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 highlights a sharp increase in obesity rates among both adults and children. Childhood obesity is particularly influenced by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity. In response to these alarming trends, CBSE has directed schools to take several measures to raise awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Key Measures to Promote Healthy Living
Schools have been instructed to:
- Install Oil Board displays in common areas to educate students and staff about the harmful effects of excessive oil consumption.
- Print health messages on all official stationery and publications to reinforce daily reminders about combating obesity.
- Promote healthy meals and physical activity by offering nutritious food options such as more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat choices while limiting the availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks.
- Implement activity initiatives, including encouraging the use of stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes.
These steps aim to create a supportive environment that fosters healthier eating habits and encourages regular physical activity among students.
Government Initiatives to Combat Obesity
In addition to the CBSE's efforts, the Union Health Ministry has proposed prominently displaying boards in schools, offices, and other institutions to indicate the oil and sugar content in popular food items. These include pizzas, burgers, samosas, vada pav, kachori, and similar items. The goal is to make people more aware of the nutritional content of the foods they consume.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also emphasized the importance of reducing oil consumption. In March of this year, he urged people to cut down their cooking oil usage by 10%. He encouraged individuals to take proactive steps to reduce obesity and highlighted the need to commit to using 10% less oil in daily cooking.
A Call for a Healthier Nation
PM Modi addressed the rising concerns around lifestyle diseases, particularly obesity, which has become a significant health threat. He referred to a recent report predicting that over 440 million Indians could suffer from obesity by 2050. This figure suggests that one in every three people may face serious health issues due to obesity, potentially making it a life-threatening condition.
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.
Conclusion
The combined efforts of the CBSE, the Union Health Ministry, and Prime Minister Modi highlight a national commitment to addressing the obesity crisis. By promoting awareness, implementing practical measures in schools, and encouraging healthier habits, India is taking important steps toward creating a healthier future for its citizens.