WHO partners with Novo Nordisk to tackle rising child obesity in India

Novo Nordisk has partnered with the WHO Foundation to prevent childhood obesity in India. The joint initiative will provide financial support for obesity prevention through school-based health programs to limit rising obesity rates among children. 

The WHO Foundation says obesity and overweight cause more deaths than underweight on a global scale. Being overweight or obese in childhood increases the risk of obesity later in life. This underscores the importance of prevention and early-life interventions.

“India’s growing burden of obesity highlights the importance of prevention-first approaches that reach people early and strengthen health systems for the long term,” says Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation.

“Schools are the frontline of prevention. By integrating health screening and education directly into the school day, this collaboration aims to protect the well-being of the next generation, turning schools into enabling environments for healthy living.”

The collaboration will focus on obesity prevention by creating healthier early-life environments, such as promoting physical activity, early risk identification, and prepared primary health care systems.

India’s urgent obesity challenge makes it a priority country for this partnership, reflecting the scale and urgency of the need for preventive, sustainable approaches.

“Building healthier communities begins with empowering the youth to make informed choices. India is witnessing a worrying rise in childhood and adolescent obesity, and addressing this challenge early is essential to safeguard the nation’s long-term health,” comments Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director of Novo Nordisk India.

“Novo Nordisk’s collaboration with the WHO Foundation reflects our shared commitment to equipping school-aged children with the knowledge, confidence, and lifelong habits needed to lead healthier lives.”

Shrotriya argues that promoting balanced nutrition at an early age can help curb the growing obesity burden.Promoting nutrition

Shrotriya argues that fostering awareness, encouraging physical activity, and promoting balanced nutrition at an early age can help curb the growing obesity burden and support a healthier future for the next generation.

Nutrition Insight recently reported that food labels in India do not align with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, according to findings from LabelBlind Solutions. This is creating confusion among consumers about what is healthy and nutritious, especially for children’s food products.

Another recent study found that obesity in later childhood is influenced by infant and early-life nutrition, underscoring the need to follow national nutritional guidelines. Meanwhile, another US-based study found that 71% of baby foods on grocery store shelves are classified as ultra-processed foods.

In other partnerships, Novo Nordisk recently partnered with Novonesis to research the effects of microbiome balance on metabolic health, exploring how pre- and probiotic synbiotic food supplements influence factors like cholesterol and blood glucose levels.