NEW DELHI, September 3 — In a strategic move to address rising obesity rates among young adult males, the Ministry of AYUSH has announced a new initiative focused on yoga-based wellness sessions for men aged 30 to 35. The program, part of a broader national obesity awareness campaign, will be rolled out across Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs and affiliated wellness centers beginning this month.
The initiative is aligned with findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which revealed that nearly 23% of Indian men are overweight or obese. Recognizing the vulnerability of men in their early thirties—often balancing sedentary work routines, family responsibilities, and lifestyle stressors—the AYUSH wing aims to promote sustainable physical activity through yoga, pranayama, and mindfulness practices.
Sessions will be conducted by certified yoga instructors and will include modules tailored to metabolic health, core strength, and stress reduction. The curriculum draws from the Ministry’s “Yoga for Obesity” framework, which emphasizes asanas such as Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana, and Bhujangasana, alongside breathing techniques like Kapalbhati and Anulom Vilom.
The program will also integrate health screenings under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) to identify individuals at risk of obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to physical sessions, the Ministry plans to launch digital awareness campaigns and distribute educational materials through social media, print, and electronic platforms. Community engagement will be facilitated through Jan Arogya Samitis and Mahila Arogya Samitis, encouraging family-level participation and peer support.
Officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have emphasized the importance of early intervention. “Obesity is no longer a condition of affluence—it’s a public health challenge affecting urban and rural populations alike. Through yoga and holistic wellness, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their health before complications arise,” a senior official stated.
The initiative is expected to expand to other age groups and demographics in the coming months, with pilot feedback informing future program design. Interested participants can register at their nearest Ayushman Aarogya Mandir or through the official AYUSH portal.
