Why KidsFit?
Pediatric Obesity is as high as 44% in some communities. While childhood obesity is a national epidemic, it is preventable and treatable.
Prevalence of Pediatric Obesity
The prevalence of obesity in New Jersey continues to affect our children at an alarming rate. In New Jersey almost 30% of children are overweight or obese. Overweight and obese children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, joint dysfunction, asthma, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease and digestive disorders. The KidsFit Pediatric Obesity treatment program uses a multidisciplinary approach that addresses each life stage and fosters a continuum of care between outpatient services for women and children.
Pediatric Wellness Program
KidsFit is a comprehensive wellness program that teaches children, teens and their families how to live a healthier lifestyle. KidsFit is delivered in a clinical setting for children ages 2-18 with a BMI greater than or equal to the 85th percentile or at risk for obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
KidsFit includes:
- Health Care Team of Pediatricians, Registered Dietitians, Social Workers and Exercise Physiologists
- Group classes tailored to age, cultural background and family dynamics
- Hands-on healthy cooking to promote confidence in the kitchen
- Preventative nutrition education: Prenatal, lactation and babies first foods
- Wellness visits and specialty referral
- Pre and Post assessment of health behaviors and nutrition knowledge.
- 10 group sessions with education and movement
- Monthly telephone check-ins with RDN
KidsFit outcomes include:
- BMI reduction in 50-80% of children
- 95% of children increase their health knowledge
- 87% of children improve healthy behaviors
KidsFit Programs
- KidsFit PreK: ages 3 - 6
- KidsFit 2: ages 7 - 9
- TweenFit: ages 10 - 12
- TeenFit ages 13 - 18
Curriculums for each age group ensure families receive age appropriate education and activities. Registered Dietitians teach children and their families how to make health behavior changes for weight loss and/or BMI reduction. The KidsFit curricula includes interactive lessons on MyPlate food groups, goal setting, healthy beverages, snacks and meals, navigating the fast food environment, hands on healthy cooking, physical activity and more. Families complete pre and post assessments on their anthropometric/biometrics, nutrition and physical activity knowledge and their health behaviors.
- Prenatal Nutrition
- Lactation
- Babies First Foods
- Feeding a Healthy Toddler
Healthy children start with healthy parents who have the education and resources to feed their family nutritiously. These foundational programs help ensure mothers and babies consume a nutrient dense diet during these critical life stages.