CBSE and CISCE Launch School Fitness Programs to Fight Childhood Obesity

In light of growing concerns over rising obesity and lifestyle-related diseases among children, India’s two national school boards—CBSE and CISCE—have introduced new health and wellness initiatives. These programs aim to build a healthier school environment by promoting better nutrition and encouraging physical activity. However, while the intent has been welcomed, many parents and educators believe that just putting up posters is not enough. What’s needed, they say, is a deeper shift in school culture and student behaviour.

Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s changing and how parents, teachers, and school leaders are responding:

1. Obesity Among School Children Prompts Urgent Action

With more children suffering from obesity, diabetes, and poor nutrition, both CBSE and CISCE have launched targeted programs to tackle the problem. These initiatives focus on including healthy food options, increasing physical activity, and tracking student wellness in schools across India.

2. Healthy Cafeterias: Schools Rethink Menus

At Shiv Nadar Public School in Gurugram, the administration has partnered with nutritionists and involved parents to design a healthier cafeteria menu. Students are offered wheat buns stuffed with soya and vegetables instead of traditional potato burgers. Traditional Indian drinks made with jaggery have replaced sugary sodas. According to Principal Sameer Arora, it’s vital that home, school, and society work together to instill long-term healthy habits.

3. CISCE’s ACTIVE Portal to Monitor Student Fitness

CISCE has introduced ‘ACTIVE CISCE’, a digital platform to record and evaluate the physical health of students from Classes 1 to 12. Each student will now receive a personalised fitness report card based on their age and gender—marking a first-of-its-kind step in the Indian school system.

4. Ban on Canned Foods and Daily Juice at Witty School

In Mumbai, Witty International School, affiliated with CISCE, has banned canned food and encourages students to drink fresh fruit juice daily. Principal Suchita Malakar believes the boards’ move was long overdue. She also recalled finding canned juices hidden under her children’s pillows—highlighting the strong grip junk food has on young minds.

5. CBSE Calls for Documentation and Awareness Activities

Schools under CBSE are being asked to share photos of activities, awareness drives, and meetings conducted to promote healthy habits. At Delhi Public School, Hinjawadi, students and parents have shown excitement about such initiatives. Principal Jaya Parekh said this positive response has encouraged schools to introduce even more health education programs.

6. Posters and Campaigns to Fight Sugar in Schools

Schools like Oxford Senior Secondary School in Bengaluru have implemented ‘sugar boards’—posters and infographics displayed across the school to educate students about hidden sugars in daily foods. Similar campaigns have been started in DPS Mysore, where students are even surveyed about their food intake to promote accountability and education.

7. Parents Say: Behaviour Change Is the Real Challenge

While schools are making progress, parents argue that behavioural change among children remains a key hurdle. Many kids still choose chips and colas over healthy options when not supervised. Easy access and peer pressure make junk food an attractive choice. For long-lasting impact, schools must engage students more meaningfully rather than rely solely on rules and posters.

8. Lack of Playground Space and Long Sitting Hours a Concern

According to parents like Aarti Srivastava, India’s typical school day promotes a sedentary lifestyle with long hours of sitting and minimal physical activity. Some urban schools lack playgrounds, and cafeteria menus continue to offer junk food. One parent shared how her daughter was lured by chocolates from the school canteen and the issue wasn’t resolved even after raising it with teachers.

9. Parental Groups Demand Inspections, Not Just Policies

Parent associations, including the Delhi Parents Association and NCR Parents Association, believe that monitoring and on-ground checks are more important than issuing new policies. They also pointed out that schools often contradict themselves by teaching healthy living in class while selling junk food in the canteen.

10. How Other Countries Are Getting It Right

Globally, nations like Japan, Canada, the US, UK, and Australia have taken structured steps toward student well-being. Japan introduced school health systems as early as the 19th century. Canada’s strategy involves a four-part model: policy, learning, partnerships, and environment. The US follows the WSCC (Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child) framework, integrating school health with national efforts.

Conclusion:
India’s school boards have certainly taken a step in the right direction. But experts and parents are clear—awareness alone is not enough. For any real transformation to take place, the change must be embedded in school culture, monitored consistently, and supported equally at home.