In recognition of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, ProActive Kids Foundation (PAK) released today its most recent health improvement results, which included data on nearly 800 participants completing the program since 2009. The report shows that almost three out of four participants that graduated from the eight-week PAK program improved their BMI and decreased body Fat.
Of 759 program graduates, 73.5% have seen a drop in their BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI uses height and weight measurements to estimate how much body fat a child has to help determine how appropriate a child’s weight is for a certain height and age. The average decrease in BMI was almost ½ of a BMI point, and was.48/point.
Also, 549 of 759, or 72.3% of participants, saw a decrease in their Body Fat Percent and 61% decreased their body weight in pounds.
“More than 1/3 of Illinois children struggle with overweight or obesity, and the prevalence of obesity among Kindergartners, 6th graders, and 9th graders in Suburban Cook County is higher than the national average,” said Dr. Matthew Smiley from Advocate Children’s Hospital, one of PAK’s site partners. “ProActive Kids is a model program for tackling the obesity epidemic head-on with a proven, multidisciplinary approach. In the battle against childhood obesity, the first step is to engage the whole family in making healthy lifestyle changes. Experts agree that reducing BMI across a population is extremely challenging given varying degrees of readiness and ability to make these changes. To see nearly 75% of ProActive Kids participants experience a drop in their BMI is extraordinary and speaks volumes to the effectiveness of this exemplary program.”
The participants and their families commit to an eight-week program held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. PAK is a unique and proprietary program that focuses on nutrition education, workouts/fitness and mental health coaching designed to improve self-esteem and confidence. With multiple site locations, the programs are offered FREE to families through partnership and funding from area hospitals.
“I had been struggling with my son’s weight for years. I had been working with our Doctor to try and correct this. She finally suggested this program,” said Shelley Talsma, whose 11-year-old son participated in the program. “I wish she had told us sooner. This program was the BEST thing to happen to my son. In week seven, I was getting phone calls and texts from parents and my son’s teacher, noticing the difference in him: how he looked physically, how he cared about his appearance, confidence, making friends at school, volunteering…just incredible changes. During the middle of PAK, his doctor also called with blood work results that he was on verge of becoming diabetic. I was told to cut back on his sugars. I was so thankful for the PAK staff for the support and educating me on how to help my son.”
We are simply blown away by the results we have been able to show from the PAK program, said Anthony Burke, PAK Founder. “It is a testament to the determination of these children and their families to make a significant and lasting charge in their lives. We are also fortunate to be working with some of the most credible and respected health care organizations in the country.”
Health care organizations looking to partner to offer a proven childhood obesity program in their communities are encouraged to contact the ProActive Kids Foundation at 773-802-7005.
To learn more about the ProActive Kids Foundation Programs, Partnership and/or Outcomes Data, please visit www.proactivekids.org.
About PROACTIVE KIDS FOUNDATION
ProActive Kids Foundation (PAK) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation with a mission of advancing child health and reversing the obesity trend one community at a time. Under the direction of the ProActive Kids Foundation leadership, a respected group of health care, education, nutrition, and athletic leaders, developed the PAK PLAN.
The PAK PLAN is much more than a simple diet or exercise program. It is a comprehensive, all inclusive program to treat the whole child …physically, nutritionally and emotionally, built around the stability and commitment of family. The program educates children and their families on fun and sustainable ways to improve their health through weekly physical exercises, lessons, assignments and discussions.
This innovative and personal life-changing experience is offered at no charge to children ages 8-14 who are considered obese or at risk.
