CG government to Fight Obesity in Planned Way

Raipur: Chhattisgarh government has started a campaign for Fit India and Healthy Lifestyle to tackle the problem of obesity in the state.
National Family Health Survey NFHS.states, one in every five adults in urban areas is overweight or obese.and this has become a serious public health challenge in the present times, affecting both adults and children. 

By 2050, India is on the verge to  become the second most affected country in the world in terms of obesity burden , according to Lancet GBD 2021 Obesity Forecast Study (2025), 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 and  also affects mental health, mobility and quality of life which additionally increases the economic burden through health care costs and productivity loss.

 The Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has started a campaign to deal with the problem of obesity in India.  Under this campaign,  to deal with the problem of obesity in the country school children will be made aware of the problem of obesity caused by fast food and sweet beverages through posters.

Integration of global food markets has increased the availability of processed and high fat, salt, sugar foods, which has increased the calorie intake per person. Obesity is the result of genetics, unhealthy diet and low physical activity.
Specially children have become soft targets, due to poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. affecting physical health as well as self-esteem, mental health and school performance.

Under the guidelines issued on May 10, 2025, The Ministry of Health has launched several initiatives to deal with obesity and lifestyle diseases, instructing 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. 

In 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 which aim to educate students and staff about the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise, inform about the risks of high fat, sugar and salt foods and ultra-processed foods, and promote experiential learning, such as designing oil and sugar boards by students.

 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed schools to install 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 walkways.  The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made available awareness material and posters on its YouTube channel that can be used by schools and workplaces.

Fit India Movement, Poshan Abhiyaan, and Eat Right India are playing , A collective effort of the government, schools, and communities is to tackle the growing problem of obesity in India.

Oil and sugar boards and awareness seminars in schools are motivating children to adopt healthy habits from an early age.  By promoting behaviour 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.