Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?

Childhood obesity adds the overnutrition side to the malnutrition debate, and the op-ed's package of labels, standards and taxes gives steps beyond food supply.

• About 41 million Indian children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 are overweight or obese, per the World Obesity Atlas 2026 cited in the op-ed.
• FSSAI has proposed bold red front-of-pack warnings for foods high in fat, salt or sugar, but the op-ed argues labels alone will not solve the problem.
• The flat 40% GST on sweetened beverages since September 2025 gives no incentive to cut sugar; the op-ed suggests a tax graded by sugar content and subsidies for healthier food.

Cite the main state tools against malnutrition, anganwadis, supplementary nutrition and maternity benefits, plus community monitoring as an added step.

• Anganwadis under ICDS (launched 2 October 1975) reach more than 8.9 crore children, women and adolescent girls; Mission Poshan 2.0 (2021-22) brings POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anganwadi Services and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls together.
• PMMVY has completed 10 years, with ₹21,511 crore paid to 4.65 crore beneficiaries per the op-ed; Rajasthan's 'cash plus' model pairs cash with nutrition counselling (Economic Survey 2025-26).
• The 9th Poshan Maah ('Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari') stresses community ownership through local committees, social audits and menu boards, though these cannot replace funds, staff and buildings.