Hyderabad, September 14, 2026: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, today announced a nationwide educational initiative aimed at strengthening India's obesity care workforce through the development of a network of Certified Obesity Educators. The initiative seeks to equip more than 5,000 healthcare support professionals with specialised training in obesity prevention, risk assessment, patient counselling and long-term management, helping bridge a critical gap in obesity care delivery across the country.

The initiative comes at a time when India is confronting one of the world's largest obesity burdens. More than 254 million adults are estimated to be living with generalized obesity, while approximately 351 million are affected by abdominal obesity[i] in India. Despite the growing scale of the challenge, obesity continues to be under-recognised and inadequately managed, with many patients receiving limited support beyond periodic physician consultations. As obesity increasingly contributes to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders, there is a growing need to strengthen healthcare capacity and create support systems that enable sustained patient engagement and long-term care.

Recognising that addressing obesity requires more than medicines alone, Dr. Reddy's is investing in capability building across the healthcare ecosystem. Through a structured education and certification programme developed in collaboration with endocrinologists and clinicians, the initiative will train nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians and allied healthcare support professionals to become Certified Obesity Educators. Upon certification, these professionals will gain evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to support obesity risk assessment, lifestyle modification, behavioural change, treatment adherence and promote structured long-term obesity management.

Commenting on the initiative, M V Ramana, CEO, Global Generics, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., said, " India's obesity challenge extends far beyond weight management. It is increasingly becoming a driver of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and several other chronic health conditions that impact millions of lives. While treatment options continue to evolve, sustainable outcomes require a broader support ecosystem built on informed patients, trained support professionals, sustained counselling and coordinated care. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen a critical but often overlooked pillar of obesity management by building a workforce that can support physicians and patients alike, helping create a more capable, connected and patient-centred obesity care ecosystem in India.”

The programme aims to create a cadre of trained professionals who can work alongside physicians to support patients throughout their obesity management journey. By strengthening frontline capabilities and expanding access to structured counselling and education, the initiative aims to improve continuity of care, encourage earlier intervention and drive better long-term health outcomes.

As obesity continues to emerge as a major public health concern, Dr. Reddy's remains committed to advancing solutions that go beyond treatment and contribute to stronger healthcare systems, greater awareness and better outcomes for people living with obesity. Through this nationwide initiative, the company aims to help shape a more integrated and sustainable approach to obesity care in India.