Health Minister Nadda Launches Nationwide ‘Stop Obesity’ Campaign On World Food Safety Day 2025

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has unveiled the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) latest initiative, ‘Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy,’ on World Food Safety Day 2025. The campaign, launched at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, aims to combat rising obesity rates through awareness, education, and policy-driven interventions.  

Key Highlights  

- The initiative focuses on promoting balanced diets and reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for preventive health measures  
- The campaign introduces visual tools such as sugar and oil boards, designed to educate individuals about hidden sugars and fats in everyday food items  
- A new educational resource, the Eat Right Activity Book, has been launched to instill food safety awareness among schoolchildren through interactive learning  
- The campaign emphasizes reducing oil consumption by 10 percent and limiting salt intake to curb lifestyle diseases  

The Growing Challenge Of Obesity In India  

- According to the ICMR-India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, obesity in urban India has surged by 39.6 percent between 2008 and 2020, while rural areas have seen a 23.1 percent increase  
- Experts warn that by 2050, one-third of India’s population could be obese if dietary habits remain unchanged  
- The campaign highlights the vulnerability of children to unhealthy food marketing, advocating for early-age awareness programs  

Policy And Industry Collaboration  

- The initiative calls for collective action from the government, industry, academia, and individuals to promote healthier eating habits  
- NCERT will integrate lessons on food safety and nutrition into school curricula to encourage informed dietary choices from a young age  
- The campaign leverages digital outreach, including FM radio broadcasts and railway announcements, to maximize public engagement  

Industry Perspective  

Health experts and policymakers believe that the ‘Stop Obesity’ campaign is a timely intervention to address India’s growing obesity crisis. With a focus on behavioral change and preventive health, the initiative aims to create lasting awareness and encourage healthier food choices across all age groups.  

Sources: MSN, WebIndia123, The Hans India, Tribune India, NewsOnAir.