Child Weight Management
Get access to medically guided child weight management for children and adolescents over 12 years.
If you have questions, here is a good place to start.
Why Is Weight Management Important For Children?
A child’s weight is one part of their overall growth and wellbeing. When weight falls outside healthy ranges, it can affect physical health, energy levels, sleep, confidence, and daily activities, and may sometimes be linked to underlying medical or developmental factors. Early, compassionate support can help identify the cause and promote both physical and emotional wellbeing.
When To Seek Support for Child Weight Management
Many parents wonder whether their concerns warrant professional help. You’re not overreacting if you’ve noticed:
- Significant weight changes. Sudden weight gain or loss without clear explanation
- Growth pattern concerns. Your child's weight trajectory has changed from their typical curve
- BMI outside typical ranges. Measurements that fall well above or below expected percentiles for their age
- Physical symptoms. Low energy, difficulty keeping up with peers, sleep problems, or reduced mobility
- Puberty-related changes. Unexpected weight changes during adolescent development
- Emotional impacts. Your child expresses distress about their body, avoids activities, or shows signs of low self-esteem
- Family health history. Diabetes, heart disease, or metabolic conditions that increase health risks
Your Child Weight Management Specialist
Dr Vivek Akkera is a Consultant General Paediatrician with a strong interest in childhood growth, nutrition, healthy weight management, and developmental health. He works closely with families to understand the factors influencing a child’s weight, including eating habits, activity levels, sleep, emotional wellbeing, medical conditions, and growth patterns.
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
- Decades of specialist experience across India, the UK, and Australia
- Nearly 10 years within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
- Experienced in assessing childhood growth, weight concerns, and related medical conditions
- Individualised management plans tailored to each child’s needs, goals, and stage of development
- Focus on sustainable, long-term health outcomes rather than short-term weight loss
Why Choose Dr Akkera and Medivik For Child Weight Management
Dr Akkera combines paediatric expertise with a holistic, family-centred approach that considers the many factors influencing a child’s growth, health, and wellbeing. Families choose Medivik for personalised care that is compassionate, practical, and tailored to children’s unique developmental needs.
Paediatric Focus
Unlike general weight loss programs and consultants, Dr Akkera brings specialist paediatric expertise to child weight management. Recommendations are tailored to support healthy growth, nutrition, and long-term wellbeing at every stage of childhood.
Holistic Approach to Weight Management
Assessments consider nutrition, physical activity, sleep, emotional wellbeing, medical conditions, family circumstances, and lifestyle habits to create a well-rounded management plan.
Compassionate, Stigma-Free Care
Dr Akkera provides a welcoming environment where concerns can be discussed openly, without blame or judgement, helping families build healthier habits with confidence and encouragement.
Is your child struggling with weight?
Everything Our Child Weight Management Service Covers
Medivik provides comprehensive paediatric weight management through personalised, medically supervised care. All services are delivered with sensitivity, focusing on health improvements rather than appearance or numbers on a scale.
Growth and BMI Assessment
Accurate measurements plotted against age-appropriate growth charts to understand your child's individual growth trajectory and identify areas requiring attention
Medical Evaluation
Thorough paediatric assessment to identify potential underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances, metabolic conditions, or other health factors affecting weight
Nutritional Guidance
Age-appropriate, evidence-based advice on balanced eating patterns that support healthy growth without restrictive dieting or calorie counting
Physical Activity Recommendations
Practical, enjoyable ways to increase movement and build active habits that suit your child's interests, abilities, and family routine
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Regular follow-up appointments to track progress, adjust strategies as needed, and celebrate improvements in health and wellbeing
Allied Health Referrals
Coordination with dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists, or other specialists when additional expertise benefits your child's care
Book an Assessment
Parent Form
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Doctor Referral Form
Contact Information
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Weight Management
How much should my child weigh?
There isn’t a single “ideal” weight for any child. Healthy weight varies significantly based on age, height, growth stage, genetics, and individual body composition. Rather than focusing on a specific number, paediatricians assess growth patterns over time using percentile charts that compare your child’s growth trajectory against other children of the same age and sex.
If you would like an initial indication of where your child’s measurements sit, our child BMI calculator can help you understand their BMI percentile. This calculator is intended as a screening and reference tool only and should not be used as a diagnostic assessment. A paediatrician can provide a full clinical evaluation.
What should I do if my child is overweight?
If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, the first step is professional assessment with a paediatrician. Avoid implementing diet restrictions or expressing concern about your child’s body in ways that might affect their self-esteem. Instead, focus on creating a supportive home environment with balanced meals, regular family activity, adequate sleep, and limited screen time.
A paediatrician can determine whether weight reflects a health concern or normal growth variation, identify any underlying medical factors, and provide evidence-based guidance tailored to your child’s needs. Professional support ensures changes benefit your child’s health without causing emotional harm or unhealthy relationships with food.
How do you manage overweight children safely?
Safe paediatric weight management prioritises gradual, sustainable changes that support healthy growth rather than rapid weight loss. Dr Akkera develops individualised plans focusing on balanced nutrition, enjoyable physical activity, adequate sleep, and positive behaviour changes, never restrictive diets or calorie counting.
Management considers each child’s age, development stage, medical history, and family circumstances. Regular monitoring ensures strategies remain appropriate as children grow.
The approach emphasises building lifelong healthy habits rather than achieving quick results. When needed, collaboration with dietitians, psychologists, or other specialists provides comprehensive support addressing all aspects of your child’s health and wellbeing throughout their weight management journey.
What is the best diet for a child to lose weight?
Children shouldn’t follow weight loss diets. Restrictive eating can harm growth, development, and create unhealthy relationships with food. Instead, focus on balanced, nutritious eating patterns that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in appropriate portions. Avoid labelling foods as “good” or “bad.” Limit processed snacks, sugary drinks, and excessive portion sizes while ensuring children receive adequate nutrition for growth.
Changes should feel manageable, not punishing. Rather than dieting, establish regular family meals, involve children in food preparation, and model positive eating behaviours.
Dr Akkera provides specific, age-appropriate nutrition guidance based on your child’s individual health needs and family preferences.
How to help a child lose weight?
The most effective approach starts with professional medical assessment to understand your child’s specific needs and rule out underlying health factors. Focus on family-wide healthy habits rather than singling out your child: serve balanced meals, encourage enjoyable physical activities, prioritise adequate sleep, and limit screen time.
Avoid discussing weight loss directly with your child or restricting foods, which can harm their relationship with eating. Create supportive environments where nutritious foods are readily available and movement feels fun, not forced.