Will Indian schools in UAE follow CBSE's 'Oil Boards' to curb student obesity?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is also urging schools to reinforce a healthy lifestyle through physical education, curriculum integration, and improved daily routines.
But for many UAE schools, this is not a new focus.
Ambika Gulati, Principal of The Millennium School — Dubai, said, 'It has been an area of focus for over 10 years. In fact, the UAE Inspection Framework, 2015 has parameter 2.1.4 that encourages students to adopt safe and healthy lifestyles.'
'Several steps are taken by our school to help students understand healthy choices — both through the curriculum and other activities. For example, students study components of a balanced diet and host inter-house competitions that promote the use of healthy ingredients. During the International Year of Millets in 2023, students recreated their favourite recipes using millets, a rich source of nutrition.'
The school has also designed specific modules on nutrition aimed at building awareness and informed decision-making.
'In this programme, they learn how to read food labels on packaged food to make informed decisions about their food.'
Canteens monitored by Dubai Municipality
Gulati added that school canteens are monitored by Dubai Municipality, which regulates the use of ingredients like oil and salt.
'These specifications make the food offered in the canteen very healthy. Furthermore, our students have participated in Dubai Municipality events that promote sustainable nutrition in schools,' she said.
Physical education remains a mandatory part of instructional time across CBSE-affiliated schools in the UAE.
Sreekala Sureshkumar, Vice Principal (Pastoral Care) at Delhi Private School, Dubai, explained, 'The school clinic is proactive in encouraging a healthy BMI through regular screening and by disseminating information about nutrition and healthy eating. Campaigns such as Healthy Tiffin, Poshan Maah (to cultivate widespread awareness about nutrition at each stage of life), Reduce Sugar, among others, are regularly carried out so that students actively engage in understanding healthy lifestyles and implementing changes in their lives.'
She added that parents play a crucial role in these initiatives.
'Parents partner in pushing our anti-obesity agenda and actively participate in our Outreach programme, 'The Enduring Edge' as well as enthusiastically participate in activations to promote good health,' said Sureshkumar.
Other school leaders also highlighted structured wellness plans for students flagged as overweight or obese.
Nutritional counselling for eating disorders
Abhilasha Singh, Principal at Shining Star International School, said, 'At the beginning of every academic year, we conduct a height and weight check for all students. Based on these results, any child falling into the overweight or obese category receives a personalised fitness and wellness plan curated by our PE teacher.'
'In addition to physical activity, we offer nutritional guidance — advising families on what children should bring in their tiffin boxes and what kinds of meals are recommended at home.'
She said counselling is integral to their approach.
'Many children struggling with obesity also deal with body image issues, so we provide ongoing support in this area.'
The school also leverages parent-teacher meetings to promote awareness.
'At our Winter Carnival, we even set up a dedicated stall to engage parents in conversations about healthy lifestyles.'
To encourage consistent habits, most school have introduced two separate meal breaks—one for fruit and another for lunch.
'I also make it a point to go on rounds, personally checking lunchboxes and encouraging students to make healthy food choices,' Singh said.
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