Introduction: Preventing childhood obesity in India

School-based initiatives to prevent childhood obesity in India include: promoting physical activity through enhanced PE classes, restricting unhealthy food options in school canteens, incorporating nutrition education into the curriculum, teacher training on healthy eating habits, encouraging active commuting to school, and implementing programs that promote awareness about the dangers of excessive sugar and processed foods

childhood obesity Programs Are:

1. PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

Objective: Provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren to combat malnutrition, including obesity.
Implementation:

• Covers government and government-aided schools.
• Includes balanced diets with proteins, vegetables, and millets.
• 2021 Update: Focus on fortified foods to improve nutrition.
  Impact: Helps reduce childhood obesity by ensuring access to healthy, home-style meals instead of processed/junk foods.

2. Eat Right School Initiative (FSSAI)

Objective: Promote healthy eating habits in schoolchildren.
Implementation:

• Schools are encouraged to become “Eat Right Schools” by:
  • Banning junk food and carbonated drinks.
  • Conducting nutrition workshops for students and parents.
  • Promoting healthy tiffin options and school gardens.
    Impact: Raises awareness about balanced diets and prevents children from consuming unhealthy foods.

3. School Health and Wellness Programme (Ayushman Bharat)

Objective: Promote health awareness, including healthy eating and physical activity.
Implementation:

• Teachers act as Health and Wellness Ambassadors to educate students.
• Schools conduct health check-ups and provide counseling on obesity and lifestyle diseases.
  Impact: Encourages early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices from childhood.

4. Fit India Movement (2019)

Objective: Encourage physical fitness among students.
Implementation:

• Schools conduct daily fitness routines, Yoga sessions, and sports activities.
• Fit India School Certification: Schools can apply for basic, 3-star, or 5-star certifications based on their fitness initiatives.
   Impact: Encourages children to adopt an active lifestyle, reducing sedentary habits that lead to obesity.

5. Guidelines for Junk Food in Schools (FSSAI, 2019-2020)

Objective: Reduce access to unhealthy foods within school premises.
Implementation:

• Prohibits sale of High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods in school canteens.
• Bans junk food advertisements in schools.
• Suggests replacing processed snacks with healthier alternatives (fruits, sprouts, nuts, etc.).
  Impact: Prevents schoolchildren from consuming unhealthy, calorie-dense foods.

6. CBSE & State Board Initiatives

 Objective: Make physical activity and health education mandatory.
Implementation:

• CBSE mandates compulsory physical education and Yoga for students.
• Some state governments (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka) have banned junk food sales near schools.
   Impact: Encourages an active lifestyle and healthy food culture in schools.

Overall Impact of These Initiatives

 Encourages physical activity to reduce childhood obesity.
 Promotes nutrition education for lifelong healthy habits.
 Restricts junk food availability in schools.
 Creates awareness among students, teachers, and parents.