- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:23 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
To tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, the Directorate of Education has launched a new initiative. As part of this campaign, the directorate has instructed all schools to designate teachers who can identify obese students and guide them toward a balanced lifestyle. Additionally, a student health ambassador will be appointed in each school to encourage peers to adopt healthy eating and fitness habits.
According to the directorate, this initiative is based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Education and aims to eradicate childhood obesity. Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21) shows that in Delhi, 24 per cent of children aged six to nine are obese or overweight, while this rate is 24 per cent for men and 23 per cent for women. Experts say that without timely intervention, these children face a future risk of serious illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
To make this initiative successful, active participation from parents and the local community is crucial. Schools will hold special meetings where parents will attend sessions on healthy living. Recently, CBSE also issued rules to ban the sale of junk food and sugary drinks in schools. The National Education Policy 2020 also prioritises children's nutrition and health education.
As part of the initiative, teachers will be trained to identify students struggling with obesity and to counsel parents. The training will focus on healthy eating, yoga, exercise, and nutritional education. Schools will also host various activities, such as special classes where children will participate in quizzes on low-oil foods. Through Eco-club activities, children will learn about eco-friendly foods like organic vegetables and fruits. Additionally, as part of their project work, children will write essays on healthy eating habits and create recipes for low-oil dishes.
The Ministry of Education has suggested that school canteens should offer nutritious, low-oil, and low-salt food options, such as snacks made from whole grains and fruit juices. These activities will not only raise awareness among children but also encourage them to adopt these habits at home. However, experts believe the challenges are significant. Urban lifestyles, the availability of fast food, and increased screen time are major causes of obesity. Therefore, change is needed not only at the school level but also at home and in society.