CBSE introduces ‘oil boards’ in schools to combat childhood obesity, promote healthy eating habits

The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced an initiative to set up ‘oil boards’ in all schools affiliated with CBSE. The move aims to curb rising obesity among children in urban areas. This notice comes after CBSE directed schools to install ‘sugar boards’ to raise awareness about excessive sugar intake and to prevent type 2 diabetes.

According to the data gathered by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) for 2019-21, over one in five adults is overweight or obese. As per The Lancet GBD 2021 obesity forecasting study, the number is projected to rise from 18 crore to 44.9 crore by 2050. Prevention of obesity in children and adults is therefore necessary to deter India from becoming a country with the second-highest obesity burden.

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Reports suggest that childhood obesity is impacted mostly by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity. The oil and sugar awareness initiatives in schools intend to sensitise students and staff about the risks of overconsumption.

CBSE: Health initiatives

To promote healthy eating in schools, CBSE has asked schools to follow these directives:

• Installing oil board displays in common areas: Cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces should have digital or static posters for raising awareness on harmful consumption.
• Printing health messages on all official stationery: Letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders and publications should reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity.
• Promoting healthy meals and physical activity in schools through the availability of “nutritious and healthier” food options: More fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks. Activity initiatives such as encouraging use of stairs, organising short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes.

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CBSE has also published some examples of what the oil boards and sugar boards should look like, to educate students about health hazards. Schools are encouraged to customise awareness initiatives and involve students as part of experiential learning activities.