Preventing Childhood Obesity in Our Community
Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program participants Austen, Stuart and Yves |
An Urgent Problem
A patient population that often seeks treatment only in an emergency is much less likely to consider a child’s overweight an issue that requires a visit to the doctor. Yet, with complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure, it is an urgent problem.-
The U.S. Surgeon General has declared overweight and obesity a national epidemic.
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In the U.S., 15 percent of children between the ages of six and 19 are overweight.
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In Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, roughly one out of four students in grades five through nine is overweight, and those numbers are increasing.
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Studies show that Hispanic and African-American children are more likely to be overweight and under-fit.
Packard’s Partners in Preventing Obesity
- Healthy Silicon Valley
Healthy Silicon Valley targets the overweight epidemic by strengthening the ability of individuals to make healthy choices about diet and exercise. Packard Children’s contributed toward start up costs to help support this “Healthy Cities model” collaborative, which has energized the education, health care, government, recreation and other community sectors to push back against poor nutrition and inactive lifestyles.
- San Mateo County Health Disparities Summit
In May 2004, the San Mateo County Health Disparities Summit brought together more than 225 representatives from government, public health, educational, health system and community-based organizations. The team developed a framework to reduce health disadvantages, focusing on prevention of pediatric obesity as one of two focus areas. Packard Children’s Hospital actively participated in developing a work plan for all San Mateo County hospitals.
- Get Fit East Palo Alto
Get Fit EPA was formed in 2004 to encourage and direct community effort toward reducing the probability that at-risk and overweight children will become overweight adults. A multitiered effort- Focuses first on school-aged children
- Inspires and educates positive changes in nutrition and physical activity
- Publicizes support organizations and opportunities
- Increases access to suitable physical fitness options
- Coordinates fundraising
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Learn more about Packard Children’s Center for Healthy Weight Community Partnerships
The Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program
The Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program is a family-based, behavioral and educational program designed to promote healthy eating and exercise habits for overweight children and their families. The program is offered at Packard Children’s Hospital and in the community. Financial aid is available for low-income families. Parents and children complete the program together.
Packard’s Pediatric Weight Control Program has been tested for eight years, with 80 percent of participating children losing weight. On average, they reduce the percentage that they are overweight by eight percent.