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, 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.
Your child will meet as needed with a physical therapist to evaluate current level of fitness and provide recommendations for improvement. If you reside in Durham, your child may qualify for the Active TEENS program, which is a workout program located in Durham at the Lennox Baker Children's Hospital where your child and a workout partner will engage in fun, calorie-burning activities three times a week.
You and your child may also be referred to our on-site clinical psychologist to work through issues of healthy food refusal, overeating, recognizing and obeying signs of hunger, and satiety. The psychologist may also want to address issues regarding self-esteem, household stress, and managing emotions in a healthy way.
Regular Progress Meetings
After the initial screening, 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:
Locations
This service is available at:
