The Union Health Ministry has called on all government ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies to take strong steps in promoting healthier lifestyles by displaying “Oil and Sugar Boards” at workplaces. These boards will show the amount of oil and sugar present in popular Indian snacks like samosa, kachori, french fries, and vada pav.
The initiative aims to spread awareness about the hidden fats and sugars in everyday food items, which contribute to the rising problem of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.
In an official letter dated June 21, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said India is facing a steep rise in obesity among both adults and children. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), more than one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese. A 2025 study published in *The Lancet* also predicts that the number of overweight and obese adults in India could increase from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 45 crore by 2050, making India the second-most affected country globally.
Srivastava highlighted that poor eating habits and lack of physical activity among children are major reasons for the rise in obesity, which not only leads to chronic diseases but also affects mental health, movement, quality of life, and increases healthcare costs.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to fight obesity, she mentioned his call during the 38th National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun earlier this year, where he encouraged people to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce oil intake by 10 percent.
As part of the ministry’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, the letter asked all ministries to promote healthy habits by:
Displaying Oil and Sugar Boards in common areas like cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms.
Printing health messages on official stationeries such as letterheads, envelopes, notepads, and folders.
Offering healthier food choices in offices, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat options, and limiting sugary drinks and high-fat snacks.
Encouraging physical activity in offices through initiatives like taking the stairs, holding short exercise breaks, and providing walking routes.
Srivastava said these small steps will act as visual reminders and behavioral nudges to build a nationwide movement toward a healthier India. She also encouraged ministries to lead by example and inspire larger change across the country, beginning from government workplaces.
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