“The State of Obesity” data indicates 14.8% of children 10-17-years are obese, ranking Michigan as 24th (of 51) on the childhood obesity scale. Furthermore, 2016 County Health Rankings report 4 of 6 central Michigan’s counties in the 4th quartile for Health Factors, which include such health behaviors as a poor diet and limited exercise.

The “Healthier & Happier Families: Preventing and Fighting Childhood Obesity” program seeks to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce impact of obesity and diabetes in children (ages 5-19 years) and their families in central Michigan through one of the most effective and well-researched programs for children, the “Traffic Light Diet”. A mobile engagement platform and personalized coaching services will teach children healthy eating and exercise habits to achieve weight loss and BMI reduction. The program is licensed from the Stanford Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program, is structured around color based food tracking and utilizes Dr. Leonard Epstein’s “Traffic Light Diet” system. The proven system helps children to categorize foods into reds, yellows, and greens which teaches them to understand their food choices and gradually decrease the number of unhealthy foods over time. 

Kurbo and MiHIA have partnered to allow up to 400 children and their families across a 6 county region to participate in the Kurbo program free of charge. Kurbo is a highly successful, fun, easy-to-do mobile and online weight management program licensed from Stanford Children’s Hospital that helps kids and teens eat healthier, exercise more and lose weight. The 12-week Kurbo program includes:

• Personal coaching: weekly 15-minute 1-1 sessions with an expert health coach
• Traffic light food system: a green, yellow, red approach to food – that helps kids and families make better food choices
• Mobile app: a tool for tracking food and activity and for playing games that reinforce healthy choices.

For more information or to register, visit Kurbo.com/mihia or call 1.800.444.7158