Kids N Fitness©

Kids N Fitness^© is an evidence-based, six-week weight management program for children ages 8-16 experiencing overweight and obesity and their parents. The 1.5 hour-weekly class consists of interactive nutrition education, physical activity, and parent seminars. The entire family is welcome and encouraged to attend. Kids N Fitness^© was developed in 2000 to help meet the health needs of children and youth.

Program Goals

Our main goal is to prevent and reduce the complications stemming from childhood obesity by providing children and their families the tools necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle.

• Promote healthier eating habits and daily physical activity (whether you call it exercise or active play!)
• Provide support and motivation for families as they make incremental changes to foster a healthier lifestyle
• Reduce weight gain velocity

Our staff is experienced in providing engaging lessons for the entire family. Families that participate in the program will experience:

• Interactive nutrition lessons
• Grocery store tour
• Healthy cooking tips
• Health-related goal setting
• Personalized feedback
• Fun weekly incentives 

Who Can Participate in Kids N Fitness

• Children with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile
• Age 8-16 years
• Able to ambulate and participate in vigorous physical activity for 45 minutes
• Children and teens with at least one parent/guardian who is willing to attend an orientation and all six classes with the child

Why a Child May Not Qualify for Our Program

• Children with medical conditions that do not allow them to be physically active
• Children with behavioral or developmental disabilities that may not focus in a group setting
• A medical clearance from primary care doctor is required

Research

As part of our ongoing investigation of program efficacy, we evaluate key health indicators such as participants’ body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, blood pressure, waist circumference and nutrition knowledge.

Licensing

Kids N Fitness^© has been successfully implemented in hospital, community and school settings. This program is available for license from Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Children's Hospital Los Angeles will provide instructor manuals (designed for health educators, teachers and dietitians) with complete curriculum, eight hours of training, sample of incentives and updates thereof for a two-year period. For information on licensing please reach out at bmanzanarez@chla.usc.edu or 323-361-8245.