Bengaluru, Mar 05: Marking World Obesity Day, and reinforcing its commitment to tackling one of the most pressing pediatric health challenges of our time, Rainbow Children’s Hospital has launched a dedicated Weight Well clinic – A comprehensive childhood obesity and weight management clinic at its Marathahalli unit.
Observed globally to raise awareness about the growing burden of obesity, World Obesity Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for preventive action and early intervention. In India, rising urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and changing dietary habits have contributed to a steady increase in childhood obesity.
Weight Well Clinic was formally launched by Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Marathahalli, Dr Lavenya R P Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology and Dr Tejaswi Sheshadri Consultant Pediatric Endocrinologist Lead, Pediatric Diabetes Program & DSD Services and Dr. Piyush Prakash, Unit Head – Marathahalli, in the presence of senior clinicians and hospital leadership. The inauguration marks a significant step toward providing specialized, multidisciplinary care for children facing unhealthy weight gain, growth disorders, and metabolic complications.
Experts note that nearly one in five urban children today is either overweight or obese, placing them at higher risk for hypertension, fatty liver disease, and long-term cardiovascular complications.
“Childhood obesity and diabetes are no longer adult-onset conditions, we are witnessing a steady rise in cases among children and adolescents,” said Dr Lavenya R P, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology. She added “Studies indicate that nearly one in five urban children is either overweight or obese, significantly increasing their risk of metabolic complications. These chronic conditions can diminish overall quality of life and lead to serious long-term health consequences if not addressed early. On the occasion of World Obesity Day, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing this growing health burden through personalized, evidence-based care and a patient-first, multidisciplinary approach that supports sustainable weight management and overall metabolic health.”
The Weight Well Clinic will provide comprehensive evaluation and management for:
- Childhood Obesity
- Endocrinology evaluation of complications such as diabetic mellitus, hypertension, PCOS, thyroid disorders.
- Evaluation and management of gastroenterology complications such as constipation MASLD
- Liver Health Assessment
- OSA Evaluation
- Structured Weight management plan
- Nutritional and fitness management
- Pharmacological management of obesity and its complications
The clinic brings together pediatric endocrinologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, pediatric gastroenterologists and child psychologists under one roof to create individualized treatment plans focused on growth monitoring, nutrition correction, physical activity guidance, behavioral support and parental education.
“Obesity is a rampant problem with significant health consequences, and it needs to be tackled at a very young age said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Marathahalli. “At our clinic, specialists from endocrinology, gastroenterology and nutrition come together to evaluate each child thoroughly and create a personalised plan. With options ranging from exercise and dietary modifications to medications like Ozempic, every aspect including the type of diet, exercise, medication, and required evaluations is carefully decided through collective assessment. Our goal is for doctors and support staff to work together, follow up regularly and address the problem at its root,” he added.
By launching these specialized clinics on World Obesity Day, Rainbow Children’s Hospital reinforces the urgent need for early screening, proactive intervention, and sustained family engagement in addressing the growing epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to preventive, long-term metabolic care.