Overweight Children

The appropriate definition of overweight is not simply being above a weight that is average for a person's age or height. It is defined as being above a weight that is right for that specific individual. 

Children's has developed several programs that promote healthy lifestyle changes for families who are concerned about their child's weight. These health-centered programs are designed to promote lasting lifestyle changes that will enhance the health and wellness of all family members. Our programs empower families to change eating habits and patterns and increase levels of physical activity without using food restriction or "diets."

In the News

The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Fit Kids and TIPPs for Kids™ programs have been chosen as a national Innovation in Prevention Award winner for 2007 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for its efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles in communities.  “Fit Kids and TIPPs for Kids™ programs are examples of how health education can lead to lasting lifestyle changes that improve people’s quality of life,” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. “Helping children and their parents find sustainable ways to stay healthy is a long-lasting gift.”
Pictured in the photo are (L-R): Admiral Steven Galson, MD, MPH-Acting Surgeon General; Beth Passehl, MS-Fit Kids Program Coordinator; Cristina Caro, MDA, RD, LD-TIPPs Program Coordinator; Denise Austin, member President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Review an article written by Beth Passehl, the Program Coordinator of the Fit Kids Program.

Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Children’s is updating current programs and developing new programs to better meet the needs of children in Georgia.  Information about all of our programs will be listed below so please be sure to check back for updates.

• Fit Kids
  Fit Kids is a six-week "lifestyle makeover" designed for overweight kids and their families. Our goal is to guide families in developing healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity and building self-esteem.
• TIPP's for Kids™ 
  The Type 2 diabetes Intervention Prevention Program (TIPPs) is a 12-week nutrition and physical activity intervention designed for children and teens ages 12-17 who are above the 85th percentile Body Mass Index for their age and have two other risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Physician-referral is required.

For an individual consultation with a registered dietitian, find a nutrition professional through the American Dietetic Association.