India’s fight against sugar’s deadly grip on children
Lifestyle | Health and Wellness
Naima Sood
20 MAY 2025 | 11:59:39
India’s schoolkids are in the middle of a silent health crisis—too much sugar, too often. From fizzy drinks to packaged snacks, added sugar has quietly taken over lunchboxes and canteen shelves. Worried about the long-term risks, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is stepping in with a nationwide campaign to clean up what students eat—and raise red flags about sugar in school diets.
The Sugar Problem: Alarming Numbers
CBSE cites data showing that children aged 4–10 get about 13% of their daily calories from sugar. Those aged 11–18 consume even more—around 15%. That’s three times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5%. The result? A surge in childhood obesity, early signs of Type 2 diabetes, and declining focus in classrooms.
CBSE cites data showing that children aged 4–10 get about 13% of their daily calories from sugar. Those aged 11–18 consume even more—around 15%. That’s three times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5%. The result? A surge in childhood obesity, early signs of Type 2 diabetes, and declining focus in classrooms.
CBSE’s Solution: Sugar Boards & Healthy Canteens
To address this, CBSE has directed schools to install “Sugar Boards”—awareness displays showing the sugar content in popular foods and beverages. Schools are also being urged to ban junk food, encourage traditional nutritious snacks, and engage parents and students in conversations about healthier eating habits. The initiative follows recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
To address this, CBSE has directed schools to install “Sugar Boards”—awareness displays showing the sugar content in popular foods and beverages. Schools are also being urged to ban junk food, encourage traditional nutritious snacks, and engage parents and students in conversations about healthier eating habits. The initiative follows recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
What the World is Doing: Lessons from Singapore & Mexico
India is not alone in this fight.
India is not alone in this fight.
- Singapore introduced Nutri-Grade labels on all beverages, rating them from A to D based on sugar content. Grade D drinks? Banned from advertising. Sales dropped, awareness rose.
- Mexico implemented a nationwide school junk food ban in 2025. Non-compliance invites fines from $545 to $5,450. The goal: fight the rising tide of childhood obesity.
A Step Toward a Healthier Generation
CBSE’s sugar crackdown may be just the beginning. But with over 250 million school-going children in India, even small changes can trigger a national shift in youth health and nutrition.
This isn't just about cutting sugar—it's about building stronger futures.
CBSE’s sugar crackdown may be just the beginning. But with over 250 million school-going children in India, even small changes can trigger a national shift in youth health and nutrition.
This isn't just about cutting sugar—it's about building stronger futures.
