CBSE Launches New Initiative to Combat Childhood Obesity in Schools

In response to the growing health crisis of childhood obesity, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a series of health-focused directives for all affiliated schools. The latest guidelines aim to foster healthier habits among students by raising awareness about the dangers of excessive oil consumption and promoting physical activity.

What Are ‘Oil Boards’?

A central element of the CBSE’s new policy is the introduction of ‘oil boards’ in schools. These visual aids will serve as daily reminders for students, illustrating the health impact of high oil intake. Schools have the freedom to design these boards creatively, ensuring they engage and educate effectively.

Rising Obesity Rates in India: A Serious Concern

Recent data highlights a sharp increase in obesity across India:

• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019–21), more than one in five urban adults in India are either overweight or obese.
• The Lancet Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, published in 2025, predicts a drastic surge in obesity rates. By 2050, the number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to grow from 180 million in 2021 to 449 million, positioning India as the country with the second-highest global obesity burden.

These figures reflect not just a crisis among adults, but an equally alarming rise in childhood obesity, primarily driven by unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity.

CBSE’s Key Health Guidelines for Schools

To combat this growing epidemic, CBSE has issued the following mandates for its schools:

• ✅ Installation of ‘Oil Boards’ to educate students about the dangers of excessive oil consumption.
• ✅ Inclusion of anti-obesity messages in all official school communications and documents.
• ✅ Promotion of nutritious food in school canteens; discouraging the sale and consumption of junk food.
• ✅ Encouragement of physical activity, such as using stairs instead of elevators.
• ✅ Creative freedom for schools to design impactful oil boards.

These initiatives are part of a broader movement to instill healthy eating and lifestyle habits among young learners.

Health Ministry’s Complementary Campaign

Supporting CBSE’s efforts, the Union Health Ministry launched a parallel initiative in June. This proposal urges schools, government offices, and institutions to display the oil and sugar content in commonly consumed foods—like burgers, pizzas, samosas, vada pav, and kachoris—to make the public more conscious of their dietary choices.

PM Modi’s Appeal for Reduced Oil Consumption

In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation about the growing threat of obesity and lifestyle diseases. He called on citizens to cut cooking oil usage by 10%, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures.

“By 2050, over 440 million Indians could be obese. This means 1 in every 3 people may suffer from serious health issues related to obesity,” he warned.

He urged individuals and families to make conscious dietary changes to combat this silent epidemic.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort for a Healthier Future

The CBSE’s new directives, backed by government initiatives and the Prime Minister’s call to action, mark a significant step in India’s fight against obesity. By fostering awareness in schools and promoting healthier habits, these efforts aim to safeguard the future well-being of the nation’s youth.