Healthy weight for youth is a family affair

HARTSVILLE, S.C. - About 1 in 5 youth struggles with weight control issues. Clemson Extension agents are partnering with the YMCA to address childhood obesity by empowering families to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The program, Healthy Weight and Your Child, is a 16-week initiative focused on building lifelong positive habits, such as healthy eating and regular physical activity. An information session will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Jan. 21 at the Hartsville Family YMCA, 111 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville, South Carolina.

"We have found weight management programs are more effective when the whole family is involved," said Emily Sweatt, a Clemson Cooperative Extension Service rural health and nutrition agent in Darlington, South Carolina. "During this program, families will work with trained leaders to learn about healthy eating and the benefits of regular exercise."

Classes will be held at the Hartsville Family YMCA. A family membership will be provided for the duration of the program at no cost, thanks to a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The classes will teach families how to connect, incorporate healthy eating habits, set living goals and solve problems together. Participants will also learn physical activities to improve their health.

Two sessions are planned for 2025: one in January and another in August or September. An additional summer session may be offered if there is enough interest. Class size is limited to the first 10 qualified participants to register.

Participants must be ages 7 to 13, meet specific weight requirements and have clearance from a health care provider to engage in physical activity. An adult must attend all sessions with each youth participant.

During the program, families will work with trained leaders. Healthy meals will be provided during each class. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing for physical activities.

Chris Lewis, membership engagement and community health coordinator for the YMCA of the Upper Pee Dee Region, called the partnership with Clemson an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

"I'm eager to build lasting relationships with Clemson and the families we serve, fostering a foundation for healthy change and a more positive environment," Lewis said. "My goal is to empower families to embrace and sustain healthy habits long after completing the program. Above all, I aim to create a welcoming, inclusive space where every family feels supported, valued and confident in their journey toward better health."

For more information, contact Lewis at [email protected] or 843-383-4547.

The curriculum for Healthy Weight and Your Child is adapted from the Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It (MEND) program, a widely disseminated and extensively evaluated child weight management program.

Studies show the model is effective in reducing a child's body mass index and waist circumference, decreasing sedentary behavior, increasing physical activity and improving self-esteem.

Halie Patterson, community health director for the South Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, said the collaboration will benefit South Carolina residents.

"Darlington County and surrounding communities have high rates of obesity and chronic disease with limited access to resources to improve those conditions," Patterson said. "This collaboration allows the Upper Pee Dee YMCA and Clemson Extension to offer a one-of-a-kind, family weight management program for children who are currently at risk for long-term health complications due to carrying excess weight."

-END-