The obesity epidemic is a huge issue in America these days, and Newark Beth Israel is doing its part to help local kids stay happy, healthy, and fit.

The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) recently honored several individuals and organizations for their commitment to healthcare. We’re proud to announce that KidsFit Newark, a pediatric weight loss and fitness program at Newark Beth Israel, was one of the honorees.

As one of the recipients of The Community Outreach Awards, KidsFit Newark has made great strides in addressing the prevalence of overweight and obese youth in the Newark area. Overweight children face an overwhelming amount of self-esteem issues, as well being more likely to become overweight adults. This can lead to a variety of health problems later on in life, including diabetes and heart disease.

KidsFit Newark consists of a team of pediatricians, nutritionists, exercise psychologists, and social workers who work together to help kids reach a healthy weight. Through a personal diet and exercise plan, a total of 67 local youth have received coaching and instruction from these professionals. The program began back in November 2007 and to date, 94 percent of the participants have experienced a reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is calculated by determining the relationship between height, weight, and body fat. The remaining 6 percent of kids who didn’t lose weight were still able to increase their muscle mass through the weekly exercise sessions. Essentially, every child was able to succeed!

Newark Beth Israel plans to make an even bigger impact on the local community by expanding the KidsFit program to include local schools. Through this program, kids from age 7-18 are taught how to make better choices about food and how to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. KidsFit has proved to be so life-changing, that many graduates of the program have asked to return to the next session and participate as peer mentors.

“This peer component is crucial as it serves as support and reinforcement while providing a role model and mentorship for those children going through the current session,” said program co-founder Dr. Nwando Anyaoku. “It also speaks to the effectiveness and sustainability of the program model.”

Nutrition plays a huge role in determining our health! With the prevalence of sodas and processed foods, it can be sometimes to be difficult to eat right and stay healthy. By helping kids recognize the power of healthy eating early on in their lives, the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is doing everything they can to prevent the spread of obesity in New Jersey!

If you would like to receive more information on the KidsFit program, please call 1-888-SBHS-123, where you will be referred to a pediatrician or pediatric specialist. Or, have your family doctor refer your child to KidsFit Newark by contacting (973) 926-2884.