Jalebis and samosas are a tea-time pairing that is always in style, right? However, if you haven't given the calorie counts of these favorite go-to snacks much thought until now, that could be about to change. According to sources, the Health Ministry of India has ordered central facilities, such as the cafeterias and shared spaces at AIIMS Nagpur, to clearly display the oil and sugar content of these well-liked Indian cuisine. These sugary and heavily fried snacks, commonly thought of as comfort cuisine, are packed with hidden fats and sugars that can cause major health problems, including obesity and heart disease. This initiative hopes to encourage healthier decisions in a subtle way by making this nutritional knowledge available without prohibiting these popular cultural staples. But how many calories are there in jalebis and samosas?

The calorie content of jalebis and samosas

The high oil and sugar content of popular Indian snacks and deep-fried "delights" such samosas, jalebis, and pakoras can have a greater effect on your health than you might realize. The majority of the 356 calories in a 100-gram serving of jalebi, according to nutritionist Dr. Archana Batra, come from refined flour, sugar, and oil. The sweetness can raise blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain. About 362 calories may be found in 100 grams of samosas, which are produced with maida and seasoned potatoes and then deep fried. The calorie count of a samosa might vary depending on its size and contents. Repeated frying also introduces dangerous trans fats, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity.

Call to display 'Sugar and Oil Boards' for Indian snacks

The rising number of obesity cases and associated lifestyle health concerns in India are probably the cause of this suggestion.

The Hindu reports that Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava recently shared the plans in a letter to every ministry, department, and autonomous organization of the Union government. "We are suggesting the display of the Sugar and Oil Boards initiative to promote healthier dietary habits in various settings," he stated. These boards display important facts about hidden fats and sugars in common foods and function as visual behavioral nudges in schools, workplaces, government establishments, and other locations.

What advantages will people get from this change?

Obesity is emerging as one of the top public health dangers in India as well as the rest of the world. Obesity can affect anyone, regardless of age, and it raises the risk of several significant non-communicable illnesses (NCDs), such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, poor bone health, and even fertility problems, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The main offenders? Poor diets high in processed and high-fat foods, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors that make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.

The issue has gotten to a frightening point in India. Around 5% of the population now has morbid obesity, a severe type of obesity that can impair fundamental bodily functions like breathing and walking, according to the Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals. In addition, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) found that 24% of Indian women and 23% of males are overweight or obese. According to a Lancet research, if trends continue, about 45% of Indians might be in this group by 2050.

For this reason, it is really beneficial and timely that the government has recently taken measures to highlight the sugar and oil levels in widely consumed foods such as samosas and jalebis. Although it's a minor step, it may significantly assist individuals in making better dietary decisions on a daily basis.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a mandate to its affiliated schools throughout the nation in early 2025 to create specialized 'sugar boards' inside their campuses. It is a component of a larger national awareness and intervention plan aimed at lowering the prevalence of childhood diabetes and reducing excessive sugar intake among school-aged children.

How to tell if you're overweight or obese?

Using your body weight and height, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple technique to determine whether you are within a healthy weight range. By dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters (kg/m2), you can determine your BMI.

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy by the World Health Organization (WHO). Globally, having a BMI of 25 or higher indicates that you are overweight, whereas a BMI of 30 or higher signals that you are obese. But in India, the thresholds are lower because of higher health risks. You are deemed overweight if your BMI falls between 23.0 and 24.9. A BMI of 25 or higher is deemed obese, while a BMI of 35 or higher suggests morbid obesity, which carries significant health dangers. By monitoring your BMI, you can make timely decisions that will lead to a better lifestyle.

How can one lower the chance of becoming overweight or obese?

Follow these seven guidelines to prevent obesity:

1. Focus on mindful eating and begin with modest adjustments, opting for balanced portions rather than huge meals.

2. Reduce your consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages, and opt for more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3. Make it a practice to be active. Try to engage in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as walking, dancing, or going to the gym.

4. Eat breakfast since it will help you avoid unhealthy snacking later in the day.

5. Drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and stave off unhealthy cravings.

6. Because a lack of sleep might disrupt your hunger hormones and raise your chance of gaining weight, make sure you get adequate sleep.

7. Because stress frequently causes binge eating, try meditation or hobbies to control it.

Finally, keep motivated and monitor your progress by weighing yourself frequently. These easy steps may help you maintain your fitness and manage those extra pounds!

Read Also: 6 Reasons Russian Girls Stay Fit, According to a Local

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