WITH Australia rivalling the US in childhood obesity rates, a free program is kicking off at Maylands’ The Rise centre for kids seven to 13 who are above healthy weights.
The WA health department-funded Better Health program runs across 10 weeks and aims to help kids make informed food choices rather than just sticking them on a diet, teaching them how to read labels and find good food (along with loads of running about).
One-quarter of Australian kids are now overweight or obese while US figures hover around 33 per cent depending on age group.
Hayley Robertson runs the WA Better Health program and says so far more than 300 Perth kids have gone through it and post-program check ups shows they continue to do well.
The program is evidence-based and UK-based studies show continuing good outcomes after the course. A 12-month followup showed ongoing weight and waist circumference reduction, more physical activity, better eating and better self-esteem.
It runs Monday and Wednesday afternoons from October 19 and if you want to get on board go to http://www.betterhealthprogram.org or call 1300 822 953. Kids need a parent or guardian to go along and the sessions are split into one hour of joint learning, and then a second hour where parents get schooled on things like nutrition, bullying and fussy eating while the kids run and play games.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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