How schools can tackle adolescent malnutrition

The article highlights adolescent malnutrition as a silent public health emergency in India, characterized by a 'double burden' of undernutrition and rising obesity, as evidenced by NFHS-6 (2023-24) and CNNS (2019) data. It notes the spread of lifestyle diseases like obesity and high blood sugar to rural populations and the prevalence of the 'thin-fat' phenotype. Emphasizing schools as critical settings for prevention, the article proposes interventions such as improved midday meals, healthier canteens, promoting fruits/vegetables, discouraging Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and sugary drinks, and ensuring structured physical activity. It also mentions the 'Let’s Fix Our Food' (LFOF) initiative led by ICMR-NIN, which aims to create healthier food environments through policy, nutrition literacy, and regulatory frameworks.