Rising diabetes and obesity among Indian children are linked to increased consumption of sugary and ultra-processed foods. In response, CBSE has directed its schools to promote awareness about sugar content and healthier alternatives to protect children’s health.

CBSE Directive on Sugar Awareness in Schools

• CBSE Mandate: All affiliated schools (~26,000) must establish “sugar boards.”
• Sugar Boards Display: Information on sugar content in common foods.
• Health Awareness: Details on health risks of excess sugar consumption.
• Alternatives Promotion: Suggestions for healthier alternatives to sugary snacks and drinks.

Reason of this Move

• Rising Diabetes Among Children: Linked to easy availability of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and processed foods in schools.
• Increasing Obesity: More children are becoming overweight or obese, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Primary Drivers: Bad eating habits combined with a sedentary lifestyle fuel the rise of diabetes cases in India’s young population.

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)

• Common UPF Examples: Packaged baked goods, fizzy drinks, sugary cereals, ready-to-eat meals, and snacks.
• Additives: Often contain additives like colours, emulsifiers, and flavours.
• Nutritional Profile: High in energy, added sugars, saturated fats, and salt; low in vitamins and fibre.

Health Evidence & Studies

• Study Findings: A 2025 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption increases the risk of premature mortality.
• Risk Increase: For every 10% increase in UPF energy intake, there is a 2.7% rise in risk of death from all causes.
• UPF Growth: UPF consumption is growing rapidly even in low- and middle-income countries like India.

Significance of CBSE move

• Schools’ Role: Schools as key environments influence children’s dietary habits.
• Early Awareness: Early awareness and education can help children make healthier choices, reducing future diabetes and obesity rates.
• Ripple Effect: Children can influence family dietary habits, creating a larger ripple effect.
• Proactive Approach: Timely, proactive approach to tackle India’s growing lifestyle disease burden.

Broader Context- India’s Health Challenge

• NCD Crisis: India faces a rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis, with lifestyle diseases like diabetes increasing rapidly.
• Policy Focus: Policies focused on health education, dietary guidelines, and school environments can help mitigate long-term health impacts.

Conclusion

CBSE’s sugar awareness initiative is a timely step to curb lifestyle diseases by educating children early. Promoting healthy habits in schools can reduce future health risks and create lasting positive impacts on families and society.