Growing Up Fit is a weight control program for children ages 7-16 years and their families. The 10 week program meets twice weekly for an hour each session. There are two components to the program:

Education and Exercise.

Education
The educational component lasts 20-25 minutes and is typically scheduled during the weekday sessions. A physician or other health care provider speaks about a different topic each week. Topics include the food pyramid, reading labels, eating out, packing lunches.

Exercise
The exercise component of the program is very innovative. Certified instructors lead the group in aerobic, stretching, and strengthening activities using large balls the size of chairs. Time is saved at the end of the class for "fun and games" activities such as volleyball, obstacle courses, and relay races.

In additional we address Behavioral Changes

Nutritional and Exercise goals are presented to the families. Logs are kept to review the participants’ progresses in making behavioral changes. Based on the energy model, the participants will be able to understand the connection between the amount of energy taken in (that is the food they eat) and the amount of energy used (activity level). So then participants will successfully manage their weight by committing to making better nutritional choices and being more active.

Parents or other caring adults in the child's life are encouraged to participate with the child if they are physically able. Additionally, siblings are invited and encouraged to participate. In doing this, it becomes a family oriented program aimed at helping each member make better nutritional choices and increasing their fitness level. The child with the weight control issue is not singled out. Growing Up Fit provides families with the opportunity to come together, support each other, and commit to making a positive change in lifestyle.

Children and parents are encouraged to exercise daily and are instructed in a home exercise program using their ball. Weekly exercise and nutrition logs are provided so that children and families can monitor their progress. Parental (or caretaker) involvement is critical for successful outcome in managing weight in children. This program encourages positive, pro-active parental and sibling involvement in both the educational and exercise components forging a “team effort” in addressing the child’s weight issues.

Clinically obese children, such as those who participate in Growing Up Fit, LLC, are typically self conscious. Often, they have been discouraged by both their peers and other weight control techniques. Because self esteem is a critical issue for the program, special emphasis is placed on the children’s understanding of their role in decision making regarding healthy eating and exercise.