Union Health Ministry has launched a major behavioural campaign urging all ministries, departments, autonomous bodies, and public institutions to display “Oil and Sugar Boards” to raise awareness about hidden fats and sugars in common snacks, as part of efforts to fight obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India.
Key Features of the Initiative
Visual Displays: Oil and Sugar Boards
- To be installed in lobbies, canteens, cafeterias, meeting rooms, and other public spaces.
- Purpose: Promote informed food choices; create awareness about excess fat and sugar in everyday snacks.
- Items featured:
- Oil Board: Samosa, pakoda, burger, pizza, kachori, French fries, vada pav
- Sugar Board: Soft drinks, gulab jamun, chocolate pastries, flavoured juice
Daily Fat and Sugar Limits Highlighted
- Fat: Adults should consume only 27–30g of fat per day.
- Sugar:
- Adults: ≤25g/day (≈5 teaspoons)
- Children: ≤20g/day
- Boards also display how many teaspoons of sugar/fat are in common food items available in workplace/school canteens.
Behavioural Nudges
- Health messages to be printed on:
- Letterheads
- Envelopes
- Notepads
- Official folders
- Nudges to create everyday reminders for reducing unhealthy food habits.
Clarification
- Not a directive for vendors or warning labels.
- Not aimed at banning Indian street food but to enable informed choices.
- Does not stigmatize any cultural foods.
Scientific Backing & Guidelines
ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Guidelines:
- Sugar should be <5% of total energy intake.
- All added sugars (white sugar, honey, jaggery, syrups, sweeteners) should be minimized or eliminated.
- Natural sugars (in fruits, dairy, vegetables) are acceptable in moderation.
Hidden Sugars / Synonyms Used on Labels:
- Common disguised forms: sucralose, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, brown sugar, caramel, molasses, maple syrup
Why This Initiative?
Rising Obesity Burden in India
- Current (2021): ~18 crore overweight/obese adults
- Projected (2050): ~44.9 crore
(As per The Lancet GBD 2021 Forecasting Study) - India will become the second-largest global burden of obesity.
NFHS-5 (2019–21) Data:
- Over 20% of urban adults are overweight/obese.
- Sharp increase in childhood obesity due to:
- Junk food consumption
- Low physical activity
Abdominal Obesity Concern:
- Indians are genetically prone to store visceral fat (fat around organs).
- Even people with lower BMIs are at higher risk.
- Associated risks: Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Attack, Stroke
National and Global Backing
World Health Organization (WHO) Insight:
- Obesogenic environments means easy availability of processed food high in sugar, fat, sodium
- These foods are cheap, heavily marketed, and distort healthy food decisions
- Unhealthy diets are now a leading global health risk
Prime Minister’s Call to Action:
- During 38th National Games, Dehradun (28 Jan 2025), PM invoked the Fit India Campaign
- Urged citizens to reduce oil consumption by 10%
- Promoted Swasth Bharat Abhiyan through active lifestyles
Linked National Programmes:
- NP-NCD (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases):
- Focus on sustainable dietary & lifestyle changes
- Promotes policy-led public health nudges
Key Facts
Nodal Body for Nutrition Guidelines: ICMR – National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad
Fit India Movement Launched: 29 August 2019
NP-NCD: Implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM)
NFHS-5: Conducted by IIPS, Mumbai; Survey period: 2019–2021
WHO HQ: Geneva, Switzerland