ICMR Roadmap For Childhood Obesity: Increasing obesity among children and adolescents in India is now becoming a major health challenge. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2026, about 4.1 crore children in the country are already struggling with the problem of overweight or obesity. If the current situation continues like this, India’s share in the total cases of childhood obesity in the world may exceed 11 percent by 2030. In view of this growing problem, the Indian Council of Medical Research has presented a roadmap to improve the eating habits of children and the food environment around them.

The ‘Let’s Fix Our Food’ consortium led by the National Institute of Nutrition of the Indian Council of Medical Research has released a policy document titled ‘Priority Policy Actions to Promote Healthy Diets and Food Environments for Children and Adolescents in India’. It was launched by Dr. M. Srinivas, member of NITI Aayog. Its aim is to reduce the increasing obesity among children and adolescents as well as the risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. On the basis of about three years of research, assessments done in different states and suggestions received from various parties, many important steps have been suggested.

Strictness on junk food advertisements

The roadmap of the Indian Council of Medical Research calls for strict rules on advertisements of unhealthy foods targeting children and adolescents. In particular, it has been recommended to implement legal restrictions instead of voluntary rules regarding the marketing of HFSS foods high in fat, salt and sugar. It has also been said to ban misleading health claims in such advertisements on digital platforms, television and other mediums. The report includes easy availability of unhealthy food, aggressive marketing and lack of information related to nutrition as the main reasons for the increase in obesity.

What is in the food clearly visible on the front of the packet

The policy document also recommends placing simple and clear nutrition labels on the front of packaged food. Its purpose is that parents and children can easily understand whether a packet contains high amounts of fat, sodium or sugar before purchasing it. Such front-of-pack labels can help people make better choices among food items. Emphasis has also been laid on digital literacy modules and interactive e-learning platforms to make children understand food labels. ICMR-MIN is also using mediums like comic books for teenagers so that they can identify foods high in salt and bad fats.

Ban on junk food around schools

In the roadmap, special attention has been paid to the food environment of schools. It has been recommended to regulate school canteens and nearby food vendors to reduce children’s easy access to junk food. Along with this, emphasis has been laid on making fruits and other nutritious food items available at affordable prices. Current FSSAI rules prohibit the sale and advertisement of foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar and sodium within 50 meters of school premises and its gate. In the new document, the need for strict implementation of these rules, regular inspection and better monitoring has been stated.

A pilot assessment conducted in private schools in Uttar Pradesh revealed that ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks were readily available in many school canteens. At the same time, nutrition related services were limited and compliance with existing policies was also found to be weak. ‘Nutrition Environment Assessment Toolkit for Schools’ has also been prepared to monitor the situation in schools. With its help, schools can assess their food environment and take steps towards increasing healthy options in the canteen.

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Health tax may be imposed on junk food

ICMR’s roadmap also suggests imposing a health tax on sugar-sweetened beverages along with foods high in fat, salt and sugar. The purpose behind this is to reduce the consumption of such food items. Along with this, emphasis has been laid on making such policies by which nutritious and healthy food can become more affordable for the people. The report also said that the share of unhealthy diet in the total burden of disease in India is estimated to be 56.4 percent. In such a situation, it is considered necessary to change the eating habits of children from an early age.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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