The 365 Day Obesity Challenge of Brooklyn, a yearlong community-based intervention program offering free weekly education, fitness guidance and ongoing support across central Brooklyn, marked the close of its first cycle in March, demonstrating measurable health gains and a strengthened sense of community among participants.
The initiative began as a student-led idea developed by high schooler Dylan Rateshwar, who set out to build a practical system to help people better understand obesity and its related health risks. The program focused on teaching participants how to assess their own health, adopt sustainable habits and build long-term confidence in managing their well-being, organizers said.
To bring the concept to life, Rateshwar partnered with his mother, Dr. Meenal Shukla, a board-certified internal medicine physician at Janice Prime Care in Crown Heights. Dr. Shukla served as program director, providing clinical oversight, while Rateshwar coordinated weekly operations, grant allocation and participant engagement.
“Turning an idea into reality as a student was not easy,” said Rateshwar. “I had the vision but not the resources. Partnering with my mother, Dr. Meenal Shukla, leveraged access to a clinical setting and expertise needed to bring it to life.”
Funded through the American College of Physicians’ Advancing Equitable Obesity Care through its Regional Action Grant, the program aimed to build a sustainable, community-driven model for obesity care in central Brooklyn, addressing longstanding inequities in access to treatment. Strategic partnerships with Plant Powered Metro New York, Shepperd U Holdings, The 120/80 Project and Inclusive Insurance Agency supported weekly programming and quarterly events.
Sessions combined fitness activities, nutrition education and practical lifestyle tools, creating a structured and accessible routine. Over time, participants formed strong connections, encouraging accountability and shared progress. Attendance nearly doubled in the final months, reflecting growing engagement.
Flexible options, including livestreams and recorded sessions, helped participants stay consistent despite busy schedules. Data from the program showed that participants who attended at least 90% of sessions experienced an average body weight reduction of 5.1%, underscoring the impact of sustained participation.
The program emphasized a supportive, nonjudgmental environment, allowing participants to build consistency and integrate healthier habits into daily life. Feedback highlighted improved routine, better meal planning and ease of participation due to the program’s structured design.
“This program was about creating a nonjudgmental space where people felt supported enough to keep going,” said Dylan Rateshwar. “Once that support was there, people started believing change was possible.”
As the first year concludes, organizers point to the importance of community support in achieving lasting health outcomes. The program is set to be recognized at the American College of Physicians conference May 16 in San Francisco.
