Family-based support and education for a lifetime of healthy weight

A family-based, group program designed to prevent and treat overweight and obesity in children and adolescents through lifestyle/behavior changes

Pediatric Weight Control Program

The Pediatric Weight Control Program is part of Stanford Medicine Children's Health's Center for Healthy Weight. It is a family-based, group behavioral and educational program, which teaches lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits for overweight children, adolescents and their families.

Since 1999, more than 80% of participating children and adolescents have achieved age-appropriate weight reduction.

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Our six-month program

The success of the Weight Control Program is based on the active participation of children and their families. Groups of 12 families meet together every week for six months (25 sessions).

Groups are designed for:

  • Children and teens ages 8-15 and their families (offered in both English and Spanish)

During the program, participants and their families learn to:

  • Identify and avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods
  • Develop better exercise habits
  • Reduce sedentary behaviors (activities that require little or no physical activity)
  • Follow a healthy, balanced diet, even in difficult situations like family gatherings, holidays and parties
  • Maintain a healthy weight over the long-term

Learn more

Location information

Please note all our sessions are currently conducted virtually via Zoom.

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Healthy eating and activity reverse aging marker in kids with obesity

A new Stanford Medicine-led study suggests just six months of healthy eating and exercise can reverse premature aging.

Learn more about the study