Indian authorities have urged all states to step up public awareness campaigns and implement targeted interventions to combat obesity, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a 10% reduction in oil consumption and broader dietary reforms.
At its 47th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) urged coordinated action from governments, schools, and the food industry to address obesity and improve dietary habits.
The meeting followed remarks by PM Modi in his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, where he identified excessive oil intake as a major contributor to obesity and called for national reduction efforts.
Cutting oil and sugar consumption
To drive change, PM Modi nominated prominent figures — including politicians, actors, and Olympians — to lead public awareness efforts encouraging healthier diets, with a focus on cutting oil consumption.
The FSSAI supports this “clarion call for urgent action against obesity and reducing oil consumption by 10%”, according to a press release published by the food authority in May.
Additionally, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a directive calling for the introduction of ‘sugar boards’ in schools.
‘Sugar Boards’ are informative displays aimed at raising awareness among students. These boards showcase the sugar content in everyday foods and beverages, outline recommended daily limits, and highlight the potential health consequences of excessive sugar intake.
The FSSAI has urged states to fully support this initiative, citing its potential to significantly reduce sugar intake among schoolchildren. The boards are also seen as a way to cultivate healthier eating habits from an early age.
India’s obesity statistics
According to the National Family Health Survey, the share of overweight children under five rose from 2.1% in 2015–2016 to 3.4% in 2019–2021.
Among adults, 24% of Indian women and 23% of men were overweight or obese, while 6.4% of women and 4.0% of men aged 15–49 were classified as obese.
A recent study also warned that vulnerability to unhealthy body weight can begin early in life, reinforcing the need to focus obesity prevention efforts on childhood and adolescence.
Findings also suggest that adolescent obesity is driven by a complex interplay of behavioral, genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors.
“Poor dietary habits, high intake of processed foods and sugary beverages, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables are significant contributors,” wrote S V Madhu in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
“Coupled with increasing screen time, physical inactivity, and inadequate sleep, these behaviours create a high-risk environment.”
Key factors driving the rise of obesity in India
- The Government of India identified six key factors contributing to obesity:
High-calorie, low nutrient diets – Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats - Easy access to processed foods – Widespread availability of packaged, ready-to-eat meals
- Growing culture of eating out – Frequent dining at restaurants where food is often cooked in unhealthy oils.
- Use of genetically modified crops – Altered food composition impacting metabolism and weight gain.
- Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles – A rise in screen time, reduced sports participation, and minimal physical movement.
Therefore, the Government of India has launched what it calls “comprehensive, multi-pronged initiatives to prevent, manage, and reduce obesity at all levels”.
Multi-pronged approach with cross collaboration among government and industry
There are five key areas where the Indian government plans to fight obesity.
1 Strengthen public health responses
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) aims to improve screening, diagnosis, and follow-up care, while promoting healthy behaviours through media, civil society, and development partners.
2 Promote traditional and holistic wellness
The Ministry of Ayush is using Ayurveda-based treatments – including Panchakarma, yoga, and personalised diets — to address obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. Around 45,000 patients have reportedly benefited from these services.
3 Prevent childhood obesity
The flagship Poshan Abhiyaan programme targets childhood obesity by improving nutrition outcomes for children, adolescent girls, and mothers. It promotes inter-agency collaboration to combat malnutrition and improve long-term health.
4 Foster a culture of physical fitness
The Fit India Movement, launched in 2019, promotes active lifestyles and encourages schools to integrate fitness into daily routines via the Fit India School Certification.
5 Reform food choices for a healthier future
FSSAI’s Eat Right India movement includes policies such as front-of-pack labelling for high fat, sugar, and salt foods, which became mandatory in 2024. The aim is to help consumers make informed decisions and reduce intake of unhealthy foods.
“By making small changes in our food habits, we can make our future stronger, fitter and disease-free,” said PM Modi.
