In a major health-focused initiative aimed at combating the alarming rise in obesity and lifestyle-related diseases in India, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a comprehensive advisory to all ministries, departments, autonomous bodies, and public institutions.
The ministry has proposed the mandatory display of “Oil and Sugar Boards” that indicate the hidden fat and sugar content in popular Indian snacks such as samosa, kachori, French fries, and vadapav, to promote greater public awareness and healthier lifestyle choices.
#FightObesity #HealthyIndia
In a detailed official letter dated June 21, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava expressed growing concern over the worsening public health scenario linked to obesity and poor nutrition. The advisory called on all government bodies to take proactive steps in encouraging healthier dietary habits and active living, beginning right from the workplace.
The ministry’s appeal highlights that India is witnessing a disturbing increase in obesity rates among both adults and children, with unhealthy eating patterns and sedentary lifestyles being major contributors. Citing data from NFHS-5 (2019–21), Srivastava noted that more than 20% of adults in urban areas are either overweight or obese.
#ObesityCrisis #UrbanHealth
Referring to the Lancet GBD 2021 forecasting study published this year, Srivastava warned that the total number of overweight and obese adults in India could surge from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 44.9 crore by 2050. This projection would place India second in the world in terms of the global obesity burden. She stressed that such an escalation would have serious implications for national health, the economy, and social well-being.
“Obesity is not just a cosmetic or lifestyle issue — it significantly increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular illnesses, and certain cancers. It also takes a toll on mental health, physical mobility, and overall quality of life, while placing a huge financial burden on the healthcare system due to increased treatment costs and reduced productivity,” the letter warned.
#NCDPrevention #HealthAwareness
Srivastava emphasized that early intervention and sustained behaviour change are essential to reverse the current trend. She also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to building a Swastha Bharat (Healthy India), as reflected in his recent statements at the 38th National Games in Dehradun (January 28, 2025) and his monthly radio address Mann Ki Raat.
The Prime Minister had urged citizens to cut oil consumption by 10% and embrace healthier, more active lifestyles through the Fit India Campaign.
#SwasthaBharat #FitIndiaMovement
Responding to this national call to action, the ministry is pushing its flagship campaign under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
A key part of this effort is the installation of ‘Oil and Sugar Boards’ in cafeterias, office canteens, lobbies, conference rooms, and other shared spaces across public institutions. These static or digital displays will act as behavioral nudges, providing visible reminders of the excessive fat and sugar content in commonly consumed snacks and processed foods.
#OilAndSugarBoard #HealthyEating
The letter also proposes that health-related messages should be printed across all official stationery—including letterheads, envelopes, folders, notepads, and government publications—to serve as consistent, everyday prompts encouraging individuals to reflect on their choices and take better care of their health.
#EverydayWellness #WorkplaceHealth
In addition to awareness-building through visuals, the ministry has called for policy-level action within offices. This includes:
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Encouraging healthier food options in workplace canteens, such as low-fat meals, fresh fruits, vegetables, and eliminating sugary drinks and fried snacks.
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Promoting physical activity, such as using stairs instead of elevators, organizing short fitness breaks during work hours, and creating walking routes or active zones within office premises.
#WorkplaceWellness #EatHealthyMoveMore
“These are not just symbolic steps,” Srivastava wrote. “These small changes collectively support a larger national movement aimed at reversing the tide of obesity and NCDs. Your ministry’s leadership in embracing and promoting these practices can serve as a beacon for other public and private institutions.”
She concluded her message with a call for collective responsibility and inspiration:
“Let us come together to transform the Prime Minister’s vision of a Healthy India into a mass movement — one workplace, one office, and one citizen at a time.”
#MassHealthMovement #IndiaFightsObesity
