Creating healthier communities, one fit kid at a time
Is your child’s doctor worried about his or her weight or body mass index (BMI)? Are you interested in improving the health of your family? Are you ready to make a lasting lifestyle change?
FitKids360 is a healthy lifestyle program developed to fight childhood obesity. This comprehensive program combines basic education about nutrition, behavior and exercise with a wide range of physical activities.
Designed for kids and their parents or guardians, FitKids360 has delivered positive outcomes since the program began in 2010 out of Health Net of West Michigan. The goal is to provide an effective solution for overweight children who have been unable to make effective changes on their own. By focusing on the physical, mental, behavioral and nutritional aspects of healthy living, we can help kids and their families enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Why FitKids360?
- One out of three kids in the United States is overweight.
- Overweight children are at increased risk for serious medical problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes—now and for the rest of their lives.
- Kids in low socioeconomic and minority populations have a heightened risk for obesity, but sedentary lifestyles and poor diets make all children vulnerable.
- Our approach is innovative and evidence-based, with health assessments, ongoing support and incentives.
- We promote lifestyle change with education, guidance, inspiration and encouragement.
Who is FitKids360 for?
Kids ages 5 to 17 and their parents or support partners.
Requirements
- Body mass index (BMI) at the 85th percentile or higher.
- Referral from a health care provider is required. If assistance is needed in obtaining a referral, please contact our office.
Expectations
- Kids and their parents or guardians attend all sessions.
- Parents or guardians get involved, stay involved, provide support and make vital changes.
- Consistent participation in class and during the week.
- Full commitment to the program.
How does FitKids360 work?
- Begins with a two-hour orientation followed by seven weekly sessions.
- Classes combine basic education about nutrition, behavior and exercise with fun activities like games, dance, yoga and cooking.
- Kids and parents/guardians attend classes together, but may have separate activities.
Led by experts, supported by the community.
- Created by local community health organizations.
- Each FitKids360 team includes a pediatrician or health care provider, registered dietitian, behavioral health expert, an exercise specialist and a personal trainer or fitness instructor.
- Standardized measurements and assessments.
- A quality curriculum and trained facilitators ensure a consistent, effective program.
Building evidence, changing our community.
- 99% of pilot program participants indicated that they learned valuable information about healthy living, including eating, exercise and behavior.
- 99% of participants reported that they would recommend FitKids360 to others.
- Ongoing data collection and analysis measures the effectiveness of the program.
- Long-term goal: establish a robust community-wide effort to sustain a healthier culture.
The FitKids360 program was created in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has expanded to include the Parkview Health FitKids360 program, which is made possible by the generous support of:
Major Community Partners
- Fort Wayne Medical Education Program
- Huntington University
- University of St. Francis
- Trine University
- Huntington YMCA
- Parkview Health
- Euell Wilson Center
- Park Center, Inc.
- Parkview Physicians Group
Content is derived from Health Net of West Michigan FitKids360 program.
Contact us
To learn more about the program or how to get involved, fill out our contact form below.