4.1cr kids obese, ICMR seeks tighter curbs | India News
A pilot assessment in UP private schools found ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks were widely available in school canteens, nutrition services were limited, and existing nutrition policies were poorly implemented. The report says the absence of a legally operational definition of HFSS foods has weakened enforcement of regulations.The report warns India could account for more than 11% of the global childhood obesity burden by 2030 if current trends continue. It also estimates that unhealthy diets account for 56.4% of the country’s disease burden, with easy access to HFSS foods, aggressive marketing and poor nutrition literacy driving obesity.The roadmap, launched by Niti Aayog member (health) M Srinivas under the ICMR-NIN-led ‘Let’s Fix Our Food’ initiative, brings together 10 policy briefs developed over nearly three years of research.
