New Delhi, May 27 — The Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) recent order to install “Sugar Boards” in schools is a crucial step for public health and matches global nutrition goals, health experts said Tuesday.
The CBSE has instructed over 24,000 affiliated schools across India to set up these boards amid rising cases of diabetes and obesity in children. The Sugar Boards will display important information, such as recommended daily sugar intake, sugar content in popular foods like junk food and soft drinks, health risks linked to high sugar consumption, and healthier food alternatives.
“This initiative helps children understand the dangers of eating too much sugar, a leading cause of childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. By showing the sugar content in common foods and the recommended limits, these boards raise awareness and encourage better food choices,” said Dr. Naval Vikram, Professor of Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi.
He added, “When combined with workshops and involvement from parents, this approach can change children’s eating habits early on. It is a timely and necessary public health move that supports global nutrition goals and helps Indian children build healthier futures.”
Type 2 diabetes, once mostly seen in adults, is increasingly common among children. In a letter to school principals, the CBSE highlighted that this rise, especially in the past decade, is linked to high sugar consumption. This is often due to the easy availability of sugary snacks, drinks, and processed foods in schools.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises reducing free sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake, with an ideal limit below 5%. However, studies show children aged 4 to 10 get about 13% of their daily calories from sugar, and those aged 11 to 18 get about 15%, both exceeding the recommended limits.
The CBSE pointed out that sugary snacks and drinks are widely available in school settings, driving this excessive sugar intake. The Sugar Boards aim to help students make informed food choices and promote long-term health benefits.
Dr. Arun Gupta, a New Delhi pediatrician, praised the step but said more action is needed. “To truly reduce unhealthy food consumption, we need regulations like warning labels and bans on advertising foods high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS). School canteens should also be HFSS-free,” he said.
Excess sugar consumption not only raises diabetes risk but also leads to obesity, dental issues, and other metabolic problems that affect children’s health and school performance.
Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Chair of the FICCI Health Services Committee, called the initiative “timely and much-needed.” He warned that lifestyle diseases are now appearing earlier in children, but many remain undiagnosed until serious damage occurs.
Experts also urged parents and schools to conduct regular health screenings for children, including fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, liver function, lipid profile, BMI, and waist measurements. These tests can help detect risks early and guide healthier choices.
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