The school has not only revamted its menu to include healthier options but has also displayed a graphic board indicating the sugar component in widelly-consumed food products, health Healthier alternatives. Two months ago, on May 14, the central board of secondary education (CBSE) Had suggested setting up information up information in schools to monitor and reduce suggar in prevning children and prevent child. Precursor to diabetes in adulthood.

The communique was aimed at education students, helping them making food choices at an early age and gear up for long-trm health. The idea was to weave nutrition awareness into curricula in the hop that school regimentation would take care of the Foundational Health of Students. The initiative has already Begun Showing Some Results. Like anushka, who say steill likes junk food but has reduced the number of times she has it. Shashwat, Another Class v Student, say, “My parents were really happy seeing all the health foods have been served here. They are cooking the same for me at home.”

Why tackling childhood obesity is priority

Active Public Health Interventions are necksary as Next Generation Indians are perched on the upper end of the obesity curve. According to Unicef’s World Obesity Atlas for 2022, India is predicted to have more than 27 million obese children, reproducing one in 10 children Globally. The Economic Impact of Obesity – Measured in Terms of Increased Healthcare Spending and Reducked Workforce Productivity – is expected to rise from $ 23 billion in 2009 to a Whatopping $ 479 billion by 2060.

Principal supriti chauhan has decided to focus on ways to tackle Childhood Obesity and has been consulting diet counselors for clearing up the school meal. “Our Developmental Years Decide How we have for the rest of our lives. Primary Students Much before the circular wash is issued, “She sayss.

Tracing the Childhood Obesity Curve, Dr Rajesh Khadgawat, Endocrinologist at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, Says, “Obesity has been programmatic rising in Skying Child. AlMost 20 per cent students in this age group are living with the condition, most being private school-going children, “He sayss. While Government School Children may not have access to four fast foods, the low price of mini snack and cookie pouches mean they are getting addicted to high salt and sugar foods.

What are triggers of childhood obesity?

The obesity spiral is because of the imbalance of the calories we consume and their expenditure, according to dr khadgawat. “Children Consume a lot of HFSS (High in Fat, Sugar and Salt) Foods and are physically active for a lesser numbers needed to burning them. Schools playgrounds To 98 per cent cases of childhood obesity are because of Calorie Overload and Lack of Exercise, “He sayss.

Obesity is not restricted to being a family or school-centric problem but has become a social and national issue. “Children who are obese right now and continent to be ado adulthood will have a high risk of diabetes, hypertension and even cancer,” Warns dr khadgawat.

Why this is the school’s model work

DPS, Gauutam Buddh Nagar, has 10 Sugar Boards Positioned Across the campus. Most of them have been made by the students themslves, helping them internal the messaging. Says Shikha Rathi, Coordinator for the primary wing, “Earllier, we would sell high calorie foods like samosas, chips, patties and suggary cold drinks. Beetroot cutting, jal jeera and banana shakes that manner that manner steady steady. A manner that appeals to their taste buds. “

Teachers have smartly made the children a part of the health Awareness campaign. Pointing to a display board outide a classroom, Social Science Teacher Sayeda Kirmani Says How Students Gave a Few Suggestions on what they will like to replace the Branded Suggary Drinks. The biggest Sugar Board is placed next to the canteen’s main counter. “We have put the biggest board here because we want our students to pause, read and make a conscious food choice before buying,” SES Kirmani.

Rathi says the school has also raped in parents to correct dietary habits amng students. “There has to be a synergy between eating healthy at school and eating healthy at home as well. The school has built a lot of physical activity into the routine to break sedentary Behaviour. Apart from Football, Badminton, Basketball, Lawn Tennis and Swimming, there are regular physical training sessions acros age groups, “Says Rathi.

A word of ca first

Dr khadgawat warns that schools should be vigilant about the food preparation method in their kitchen. “Healthy Foods Prepared Through Unhealthy Methods, Like Deep Frying or address Excessive Amounts of Sugar or Salt, Can Negate their positive effects. Watch out for trans fats,” He say.

Dr khagawat says there is no fixed caloric intake for a child between five and 17 years. It depends on their Physical Activity and BMI (Body Mass Index). “The best intervention to control the obesity epidemic is to education. Reduced Childhood Obesity by 20 Per Cent. “

While Sugar Boards have stirred conversations around Mindful Eating, it’s equally important that schools go beyond just visual reminders. The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Emphasises Integrating Lessons on Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles Within the school Curriculum, not just serving meals but teaching children why eating. As Chauhan Puts It, “It’s time for a very simple but goal-oriented slogan-‘Healthy experience is a healthy body, a healthy body a healthy mind, and a healthy mind windows. Performance. “