WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk Announce Collaboration to Support Childhood Obesity Prevention in India
WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk today announced a new collaboration aimed at providing financial support towards the strengthening of obesity prevention and health-system readiness in India, to curb the rise of childhood obesity through a scalable school-based health program. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme and WHO’s Health Promoting Schools framework.
According to the World Health Organization, overweight and obesity now cause more deaths globally than underweight and are linked to multiple noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Childhood overweight and obesity increase the likelihood of obesity and related health risks later in life, underscoring the importance of prevention and early action across the life course.
The collaboration will focus on obesity prevention, including healthier early-life environments, physical activity promotion, early risk identification, and preparedness within primary health care systems. India is a priority country for this partnership, reflecting the scale and urgency of the obesity challenge and the opportunity to strengthen prevention approaches that can be sustained over time. The project also will focus on creating healthier school environments in targeted districts, integrating health screening, lifestyle education, and mental health support to identify risks early among children and adolescents.
“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,” said Anil Soni, Chief Executive Officer 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.”
“Building healthier communities begins with empowering the youth to make informed choices,” said Mr. Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India. “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. 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. By fostering awareness, encouraging physical activity, and promoting the importance of balanced nutrition at an early age, we can help curb the growing obesity burden and support a healthier future for the next generation.”
India is experiencing a rapid rise in obesity and related cardio-renal-metabolic conditions, increasingly affecting younger populations and communities facing barriers to access, awareness, and continuity of care. Addressing these trends requires coordinated action across prevention, early identification of risk, and health-system readiness, grounded in evidence and public health leadership.
Khushi Chittoria joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Editorial Intern. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from IP University and has completed certifications in content writing. She has a strong interest in anchoring, content writing, and editing. At Medical Dialogues, Khushi works in the editorial department, web stories and anchoring.