To help people stay healthy and avoid serious diseases like diabetes and heart problems, the Indian government is starting a big campaign. People will be told to eat less sugar, oil, and ghee every day. This campaign is being run by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Posters will be put up in schools, colleges, and government offices across the country. These posters will tell people how much sugar and oil is safe to eat every day and why eating too much is harmful—especially for students and young people.
New Sugar Limit: Just 25 Grams a Day
Earlier, the recommended daily sugar intake was 50 grams, but due to growing health concerns, this limit has now been reduced to 25 grams. A scientist from the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) explained that just one 500 ml bottle of soft drink contains more sugar than the newly advised daily limit, highlighting how easily people can consume too much without realising it.
Sugar and Oil Are Often Hidden in Our Food
Dr Swetha A, a dietician from Hyderabad, explained that many people eat sugar and oil without even realizing it. She said that sugar is not just found in sweets, but is often added to everyday items like tea, coffee, biscuits, snacks, and sometimes even cooked vegetables. Similarly, oil and fat are present in many foods we may not think about, such as ghee, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and packaged or processed items. Many people also add ghee to their chapatis and rice, which adds more fat to their diet without them noticing.
Dr Swetha advised people to use different types of oils in small amounts instead of using too much of one kind. This, she said, is a healthier choice for cooking and overall well-being.
Even Small Changes Can Help
A scientist from NIN said that cutting just a little oil every day, like 1/4 of a teaspoon, can really help reduce fat in the diet especially for families. It’s not just about weight anymore. We also need to check the fat in our body, he also added.
Dr Avula Laxmaiah, a retired NIN scientist, said that eating unhealthy food is not the only problem. Not moving enough or exercising is also a big reason for health issues, he said. He also said that Indian bodies store fat more easily, which makes us more likely to get diseases even if we don’t look overweight.
A Healthy Change for Everyone
A recent study in The Lancet said that the number of obese adults in India could rise from 18 crore in 2021 to 45 crore by 2050. This would make India the second most obese country in the world. With this campaign, the government wants people to eat better and live healthier. The goal is to help prevent diseases by spreading awareness in schools, homes, and offices. Even small changes in daily food habits can make a big difference in our health.
Date : 10 August 2025
Time : 7 PM to 9 PM
Fee : Rs. 3999
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