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To help people stay healthy, the Indian government is starting a big campaign to reduce the amount of sugar and oil people eat every day. This campaign is supported by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Posters will soon be seen in schools, colleges, and government offices all over the country. These posters will suggest that people should eat no more than 25 grams of sugar and 30 grams of oil, ghee, or butter each day. This advice is based on a normal 2,000-calorie diet.
Why Even One Soft Drink Is Too Much
A scientist from NIN explained that earlier, the limit for sugar was 50 grams a day. But now it’s reduced to 25 grams because too much sugar is making people sick. Just one 500ml soft drink has more sugar than your daily limit!
That’s why this campaign is also focusing on students, who are eating more sugary and oily foods than before.
Hidden Sugars and Oils in Our Food
Many people don’t realise how much sugar and oil they are eating. Dietician Dr. Swetha A says sugar is not just in sweets, but also in tea, coffee, biscuits, honey, and snacks.
Oils are also hidden in nuts, dairy, and packaged foods. People also add ghee to their roti, rice, and dough, which adds extra fat.
She advises people to use a mix of oils in small amounts to stay healthy.
Even Small Changes Can Help
According to the NIN scientist, small steps like using less oil while cooking can make a big difference. It’s not only about weight but also about how much fat the body stores.
Exercise Is Just as Important
Dr. Avula Laxmaiah, a retired NIN scientist, says that lack of physical activity is also a major reason for health problems.
Also, people from Asian Indian backgrounds naturally store more fat in their bodies, which increases their risk of diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
Why This Campaign Matters
The health ministry wants to reduce lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, heart problems, and even some types of cancer through this awareness campaign.
A study published in The Lancet says that by 2050, the number of obese adults in India may rise from 18 crore (180 million) in 2021 to 45 crore (450 million). This would make India the second most affected country in the world by obesity.
In Summary
India is taking big steps to fight lifestyle diseases by teaching people to eat less sugar and oil. These small changes can lead to a healthier future for everyone—especially the youth