Childhood obesity, also called pediatric obesity is affecting thousands of children around the world. One such case is Aanchal from Medhupura in Bihar. At an early age of just 8 years old, Aanchal weighs about four times more than her peers, at 85kg.

On an average, eight-year-olds weigh around 20kg. Aanchal was born a normal child, but as she grew up she started to put on weight abnormally. Her parents took her to a local hospital, where the doctor said that she had too much of fat content in her body, and that getting rid of it would cost them Rs 5000 a month. Aanchal comes from a humble lower-class family, who simply could not afford the amount quoted by the doctor.

During a diagnosis at Medhupura Sadar Hospital, Dr Akhilesh Kumar explained that Aanchal was suffering for hormonal imbalances, which led to her abnormal weight-gain, and that such a condition could only be treated at a good hospital.

Aanchal's father works as a labourer. She lives with her maternal grandparents, of whom her Nana is also a labourer. Her mother says that her diet is twice than that of other children her age. Awareness on pediatric obesity is very low around the area. Aanchal has to through some ridicule from her peers, owing to her weight.