Gujarat Yoga Board launches state-wide obesity reduction campaign

The Gujarat State Yoga Board has announced a large-scale initiative titled ‘Medasvita Mukti Abhiyan’ aimed at tackling obesity across the state. The campaign seeks to help 10 lakh citizens reduce 10 kilos each through yoga and lifestyle changes, amounting to a collective weight loss target of one crore kilos.

Announcing the plan at a press conference in Gandhinagar, Yoga Board chairman Shishpal Rajput said the campaign will be conducted in three phases between September and December this year. The programme will combine yoga training with dietary guidance and medical monitoring. At 75 locations across the state, health teams will conduct tests such as BMI checks and provide personalised diet plans alongside yoga sessions.

Rajput said obesity has become a serious concern linked to a range of diseases, and yoga can play a role in prevention. “Yoga is part of our culture and also supports weight reduction. Through this campaign, we want to focus on both yoga and nutrition,” he said.

The Yoga Board claims that it already runs over 5,000 free yoga classes across Gujarat, attended by more than five lakh citizens, with participants reporting significant weight loss in past programmes. Officials added that the current campaign aims to build on that experience and expand to rural areas with more accessible centres.