(India) Bangalore: Type-2 diabetes, obesity "surge" among children
- Aug 24, 2025
- 2 min read
Aug 14, 2025, Bangalore Mirror: Diabetes surge prompts action plan for school
Alarmed by the significant rise of Type-2 diabetes and obesity among school children, the Director of PM Poshan Scheme has issued a circular directing all government and aided schools to establish sugar boards and create awareness among children and parents on the ill effects of excess intake of sugar and oil.
The director, in a circular dated August 5, instructed authorities to establish sugar boards at prominent spots on the school premises to create awareness among children.
The director stated that the recent GBD (Global Burden of Disease) study projected that India could have over 440 million overweight or obese individuals by 2050 and the country could become home to the second largest obese population in the world.“Obesity increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac problems and cancer. It will affect lifestyle and cause depression. It will have an adverse impact on the GDP of our country. We need to take preventive measures and organise awareness programmes,” the circular read.The circular attributed the obesity among children to high sugar intake and availability of sugary snacks, beverages, and snacks within the school environment.“Consumption of sugar excessively not only increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes but also contributes to obesity and other health problems,” the circular stated.
Child rights activists have welcomed the circular, calling it a timely step to prevent childhood obesity. “Recently, a similar circular was issued to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools. Now, the circular is issued to all government and aided schools in the state.
Establishing sugar boards on the school premises will create awareness among the children on the ill-effects of excessive consumption of sugary snacks,” said Shashidar Kosambi, a child rights activist from Bidar.
Nagasimha G Rao, a child rights activist, said the Eat Right School Programme, a part of the Poshan Abhiyaan, aims to educate school children across the country about healthy eating habits, nutrition, and food safety. He said that the initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle among children while helping to prevent diabetes, obesity, and other lifestyle-related diseases. “Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child grants children the right to health. It is crucial to raise awareness among children about diabetes and their dietary habits,” said Rao.He said that schools should consider replacing rice with options like millets or other healthier alternatives in the daily midday meal for children with diabetes to help regulate their blood sugar levels.He suggested that mandatory monthly health check-ups for children should be enforced in schools, as well as in hostels, childcare homes, observation homes, and juvenile homes. “It is vital to encourage children’s rights clubs in schools to discuss these issues, ensuring active participation,” he said.
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