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About Me

Why did I choose to pursue Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine?

During my time as a paediatric resident, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing in the way we approached healthcare for kids. Medicine, as I observed, had become so reactive, focused on treating illnesses as they came, while the bigger picture of what shapes any child’s health often got lost. This gap made me question: what if we could do more to prevent these illnesses in the first place?

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which really reinforced the same concern. I saw how much a child’s environment and daily habits influenced their ability to cope and recover. After the pandemic, the challenges only grew. There was an alarming rise in the double burden of malnutrition, both undernourishment and obesity, alongside more mental health issues, younger cases of type 2 diabetes and other preventable conditions. It became clear: the way children live, eat, sleep and move has never been more important and their existing lifestyle shapes their future health.

This quest for a macroscopic approach to health led me to Harvard University, where I pursued a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Nutrition and Maternal-Child Health. I wanted to learn how to go beyond treating one child at a time and start addressing the bigger systems that influence children’s health. Harvard equipped me with the tools to bridge the gap between clinical care and public health, empowering me to drive meaningful, system-wide change for children and families everywhere.

Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine, for me, is a forward-thinking and evidence-based approach that goes beyond illness. It empowers families to establish a strong foundation for lifelong well-being. It is about shifting the focus from reaction to prevention and helping children not just survive but truly thrive

– Dr. Michelle Shah

My Mission

To redefine paediatric healthcare by merging the principles of medical science with lifestyle medicine, empowering families to nurture children who are not just healthy but thriving. We believe in creating a ripple effect - one healthy child leads to a healthier family, a stronger community and a brighter future.

What is Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine?

Many chronic diseases in adults today can be traced back to lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, physical inactivity and difficulties with emotional resilience, often rooted in patterns established during childhood. Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine works with families to identify these risk factors and provides targeted strategies and tools to raise healthier, more resilient children.

We take a holistic, 360-degree approach to child healthcare, prioritising the root causes of illnesses: lifestyle choices. This proactive method prioritises the creation of a strong foundation for lifelong health rather than simply treating illnesses as they arise.

We combine evidence-based medicine with personalised care with a strong emphasis on prevention and education, empowering families to prioritise long-term well-being.

How does Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine differ from conventional medicine?

While conventional medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating illnesses as they arise, Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine takes a proactive and preventative approach.

Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine

Conventional Medicine

Focus on Prevention

Addresses lifestyle factors early to prevent health problems

Typically addresses issues once they manifest

Root Cause Approach

Targets root causes

Often focuses on managing symptoms, almost acting as a bandaid

Holistic Perspective

Integrates all 7 pillars of health into care plans

Primarily focuses on physical health

Family-Centered Care

Actively involves parents and caregivers to create supportive environment

Long-Term Impact

Instills lifelong habits to promote resilience and prevent chronic diseases

Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine complements conventional medicine while offering a broader, more sustainable approach to wellness by addressing the full spectrum of factors that influence a child’s health.

Feature

Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine

Conventional Medicine

Focus on Prevention

Addresses lifestyle factors early to prevent health problems

Typically addresses issues once they manifest

Root Cause Approach

Targets root causes

Often focuses on managing symptoms

Holistic Perspective

Integrates all 7 pillars of health into care plans

Primarily focuses on physical health

Family-Centered Care

Actively involves parents and caregivers to create supportive environment

Long-Term Impact

Instills lifelong habits to promote resilience and prevent chronic diseases

Why is Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine important and relevant today?

Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine is more essential than ever, as modern challenges like skyrocketing screen time, processed food dependence and dwindling outdoor play contribute to rising rates of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and mental health struggles. By addressing the root causes, this proactive approach empowers families to create healthier habits that last a lifetime.

It’s not just about treating problems; it’s about preventing adult-onset diseases like heart disease and diabetes, nurturing emotional resilience and optimizing brain development during critical growth periods. With a family-centered focus, paediatric lifestyle medicine transforms everyday routines into opportunities for children and caregivers to thrive, building stronger, healthier futures together.

Why Dr. Michelle Shah?

Dr Michelle Shah is India’s first Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine Specialist. With an MD in Paediatrics, a Lifestyle Medicine Diplomate (DipIBLM, UK), and a Master of Public Health (Harvard University), Dr. Shah brings unparalleled expertise to her practice.

Dr Shah is also a 2x TEDx Speaker and is transforming paediatric healthcare by integrating the science of medicine with the preventive power of lifestyle medicine. Her vision is to shift the focus from treating illness to a macroscopic view of children’s health, ensuring they thrive at every stage of life.

At the forefront of a growing movement for proactive, lifestyle-driven care, particularly, Dr. Shah’s practice champions a unique, personalised approach. She goes beyond addressing symptoms and empowering families with the tools and strategies to nurture their children’s full potential physically, mentally and emotionally.

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