India takes new steps to curb childhood sugar consumption and tackle obesity crisis

India is introducing tighter regulations on sugary foods and drinks in schools, demanding clearer labelling and advertising restrictions as health experts warn of rising childhood obesity and metabolic risks.

India’s growing appetite for sugary drinks and processed snacks is fast becoming a public health issue, especially for children, as policymakers and doctors warn that habits formed early can last a lifetime. The Hindu reported that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has proposed tighter rules on packaged foods high in fat, salt and sugar in school canteens, alongside warning labels for such products. That push reflects a broader concern: children are increasingly eating ultra-processed foods instead of more traditional, balanced meals, with consequences that can extend well beyond childhood.

The main worry is weight gain and the rise of childhood obesity, which in turn raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders later in life. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics has said sugary drinks, fruit juices and energy drinks are linked to obesity and other non-communicable diseases, and has advised that such items should be limited sharply in children’s diets. Its guidance also supports keeping these foods out of school canteens and away from school premises, while making healthier snacks more available and affordable.

A further problem is marketing. Products sold as “health drinks”, flavoured milk or fortified beverages can contain substantial amounts of added sugar, creating a misleading sense that they are suitable for children. Industry selling patterns underline the scale of the issue: The Hindu noted that one leading cola company sold about 4 billion units of sugary drinks in India in 2024, while sugary snacks and beverages are widely promoted through schools, shops and online platforms. FSSAI has also proposed clearer quantitative thresholds for fat, sugar and salt in school foods, based on the Indian Council of Medical Research’s dietary guidance, and earlier draft rules have gone further by seeking to ban certain high-sugar products from school canteens and their immediate surroundings.

The response, experts argue, has to be broad rather than piecemeal. Strong front-of-pack warning labels could help parents and children identify high-sugar products quickly, while tighter limits on advertising to children would curb aggressive promotion. Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages could also discourage consumption, with the proceeds ring-fenced for nutrition and public health programmes. Schools can play a major role by serving fresh food, restricting sugary drinks and teaching children to read labels. Food companies, meanwhile, should cut added sugar and provide clearer nutritional information. India’s sugar problem is not only about individual choice; it is a systems issue that will require regulators, schools, parents and industry to change course together.