Declaring Curry and Samosas Enemy No. 1 to Whip the Police Into Shape

For G. Chitra, an officer in India’s overburdened police forces, pretty much everything in her life is bad for her health. Working irregular hours is a source of stress. Standing guard for long periods hurts her knees. Caring for a toddler late at night and rising at 4:30 for household chores leaves her tired.

Yet there she was in her bedroom one spring evening, polishing off 10 push-ups, 30 squats and a bit of yoga, before grabbing red dumbbells and flinging her arms skyward like a bird opening its wings to fly. She had felt bloated of late, and decided to do something about it.

In India, a country historically undernourished, many people are now packing on the pounds, and police officers are no exception. But in the island territory of Andaman and Nicobar, where Ms. Chitra serves, the police have declared creamy curries, oily paneer and carb-rich dosas Enemy No. 1, and instead have embraced diet discipline and physical fitness in the ranks.