In a significant move aimed at tackling rising health concerns among schoolchildren, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed more than 24,000 affiliated schools across India to set up “Sugar Committees.” The initiative is intended to reduce excessive sugar consumption and raise awareness about its health risks, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases among children — conditions that were once largely confined to adults. Experts have blamed easy access to sugary snacks, soft drinks, and ultra-processed foods in school environments for encouraging unhealthy eating habits.
The newly formed Sugar Committees are tasked with both educating students and preventing sugar-related health issues. They will focus on spreading awareness about recommended sugar intake, exposing the high sugar content in everyday foods, and highlighting the long-term risks of consuming too much sugar. The committees will also offer guidance on choosing healthier foods.
This initiative is in line with global nutrition recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO), for instance, advises that added sugars should account for less than 10% of daily energy intake, and ideally below 5%.
A CBSE official noted that children between the ages of 4 and 18 often exceed these limits, with older children deriving up to 15% of their total calories from sugar. This high intake is linked not only to obesity and diabetes but also to dental problems and poor academic performance.
Health professionals have welcomed the CBSE’s initiative. They believe educating children early about nutrition can help form healthy habits that last a lifetime. However, experts also pointed out that education alone will not be enough. They called for stronger policy-level support to make the program more effective.
This includes stricter regulations on the marketing of high fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods targeted at children. Experts also recommended removing such products from school canteens to ensure children have access only to healthier food options during school hours.
In addition to raising awareness, public health advocates emphasized the need for routine health check-ups in schools. Suggested screenings include blood sugar tests, BMI evaluations, waist measurements, and lipid profiles. These tests can help detect early signs of non-communicable diseases and allow timely medical intervention.
Overall, the formation of Sugar Committees is being seen as a forward-thinking step by the CBSE. By combining education with preventive measures, the board aims to address the growing health challenges faced by India’s youth and promote long-term well-being.
