Introduction

India is grappling with a growing obesity epidemic, with the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21) and a 2025 Lancet Global Burden of Disease study projecting that 44.9 crore adults could be overweight or obese by 2050. Alarmingly, childhood obesity is also on the rise, with 12.5 million children aged 5-19 classified as overweight in 2022. To combat this public health crisis, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued fresh directives to schools, emphasizing proactive measures to promote healthier lifestyles among students. This article explores the obesity crisis in India, CBSE’s innovative initiatives, and practical steps for a healthier future.

The Growing Obesity Epidemic in India

According to NFHS-5, 24% of women and 22.9% of men aged 15-49 in India are overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m²), a significant increase from 12.6% and 9.3% respectively in 2005-06. Abdominal obesity, measured by waist circumference, affects 40% of women and 12% of men, with women in their thirties and forties particularly at risk. Childhood obesity is equally concerning, rising from 2.1% in NFHS-4 (2015-16) to 3.4% in NFHS-5 among children under five, with projections estimating 27 million obese children by 2030.

Key drivers of this crisis include:

• Unhealthy Diets: Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat snacks.
• Sedentary Lifestyles: Limited physical activity due to digital entertainment, office jobs, and urbanization.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Higher obesity rates in urban areas and among higher-income groups, though rural areas are catching up.

These trends contribute to non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, posing a significant economic and health burden.

CBSE’s Response: A Call to Action for Schools

In response to this alarming trend, CBSE issued Circular No. Acad-45/2025 on July 16, 2025, urging schools to adopt comprehensive health initiatives. These measures aim to foster a culture of wellness and combat obesity among students and staff. Key directives include:

1. Installation of ‘Oil Boards’

CBSE has mandated the setup of ‘Oil Boards’ in schools to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive oil consumption. These boards, similar to the previously introduced ‘Sugar Boards,’ will display information about the health risks of high-fat diets and encourage healthier eating habits.

2. Health Messaging in Schools

To reinforce healthy habits, CBSE encourages schools to:

• Display posters in cafeterias, lobbies, and common areas promoting nutritious food choices.
• Print health tips on official stationery, such as letterheads, envelopes, and notepads, to provide constant reminders.
• Share educational materials, including videos and posters from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), via their official YouTube channel.

3. Promoting Healthy Food Options

Schools are urged to revamp canteen menus to prioritize:

• Nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Low-fat, low-sugar snacks and beverages, limiting access to high-fat and sugary items.

4. Encouraging Physical Activity

To combat sedentary lifestyles, CBSE recommends:

• Encouraging students to use stairs instead of elevators.
• Incorporating short exercise breaks during school hours.
• Developing walking routes around campus to promote daily physical activity.

5. Experiential Learning

CBSE emphasizes student involvement in creating ‘Oil Boards’ and other health-focused projects to foster engagement and awareness. This hands-on approach aligns with the board’s ethos of experiential learning.

Why These Initiatives Matter

Obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases, which account for 60% of deaths in India. The rise in childhood obesity is particularly concerning, as 50% of obese children may become obese adults, increasing their risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. CBSE’s initiatives aim to address these issues at the grassroots level by embedding healthy habits in school environments, shaping a healthier generation.

Practical Tips for Parents and Students

To complement CBSE’s efforts, parents and students can adopt these strategies:

• Balanced Diet: Prioritize home-cooked meals with diverse food groups, limiting processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, such as cycling, walking, or sports.
• Screen Time Management: Reduce time spent on gadgets and encourage outdoor activities.
• Health Check-Ups: Monitor weight, height, and waist circumference regularly to catch early signs of obesity.

Policy Recommendations for a Healthier India

Beyond school initiatives, experts suggest broader interventions:

• Taxation on Unhealthy Foods: Higher taxes on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, as seen in Mexico’s successful sugar tax model.
• Subsidies for Healthy Foods: Make fruits, vegetables, and whole grains more affordable.
• Urban Planning: Develop pedestrian-friendly roads, cycling tracks, and public parks to promote active lifestyles.
• Nutrition Education: Integrate nutrition and health education into school curricula and workplace programs.

Conclusion

India’s obesity crisis, as highlighted by NFHS-5 and Lancet reports, demands urgent action. CBSE’s proactive measures, including ‘Oil Boards,’ health messaging, and physical activity initiatives, are a step toward building a healthier future for students. By combining school-based efforts with individual and policy-level interventions, India can curb the rising tide of obesity and foster a culture of wellness. For more health and lifestyle tips visit us 

Keywords: Obesity in India, NFHS-5, Lancet Report, CBSE Oil Boards, childhood obesity, healthy lifestyle, non-communicable diseases, nutrition education, physical activity.