The Healthy Lifestyles Program is a six-month, intensive, family-centered lifestyle management intervention for families with overweight children aged 0-18.

Any child whose body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 85th percentile meets the national standards for being at-risk or overweight and should be evaluated by a physician (Use the calculators created by the Centers for Disease Control to see if your child is at risk.)

Assessment and Realistic Goals

Healthy Lifestyles is based on the latest evidence for creating and achieving realistic goals for optimal weight to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease.

At your first visit to our clinic in northern Durham, a physician specializing in pediatric weight management will provide a sensitive, family-centered assessment of the medical and emotional complications associated with obesity and will begin treatment in cooperation with your child’s regular doctor.

Our licensed dietician will complete an individual nutritional and exercise analysis and will work with children and families to create solid, healthy eating and activity habits.

A case manager will be ready to identify opportunities for physical activity in your neighborhood and work with you to create an environment that is fun, active, and safe for your children.

Regular Progress Meetings

After the initial screening, you will be asked to participate in three weekly group sessions with our clinical psychologist to learn parenting strategies such as setting limits, recognizing and breaking unhealthy eating habits, and reinforcing good behavior.

You and your child will meet monthly with our team at the clinic to monitor progress, continue to evaluate and treat medical problems, and offer support. At each of these monthly visits, we will focus on one evidence-based “lesson,” which will lead to a healthier lifestyle for your family.

You will also learn the “nuts and bolts” of what to buy, how to prepare a healthy meal, and how to live well in the context of today’s busy lifestyle. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and devise a personalized plan that is right for you!

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Armstrong, Sarah C.
• Zucker, Nancy L.

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Health Center at Roxboro Street
  4020 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27704