Obesity and being overweight can increase a child’s risk of health and emotional issues. This can include depression, behavior problems, body-image issues, and low self-esteem. Kids who are overweight are also more likely to have weight-related issues as adults.

If your child has rapid weight gain or an elevated BMI, Children’s Wisconsin is here to help. Our NEW Kids (Nutrition, Exercise, and Weight Management) Program supports kids ages 2-18. We create a personalized plan to build lifelong healthy habits.

Our experts work with your family to:

• Assess your child’s health needs.
• Identify lifestyle and environmental factors that may affect their health.
• Set realistic goals to improve nutrition, activity, and overall well-being.

Because kids are still growing, weight loss is not always the main goal. Instead, the NEW Kids Program focuses on helping your child feel better, stay healthier, and build lifelong healthy habits.

• Referral: If your child’s BMI is above the 85th percentile and they have a related health condition, your doctor can refer you to the program.
• First visit: You’ll meet with a care expert to review your child’s health history, lab results, eating habits, and activity levels. You’ll also talk about your family’s readiness to make changes. This one-hour session helps set initial goals.
• Follow-up visits: Appointments last 60-90 minutes and take place every 4-6 weeks, for about five visits. Our team can adjust the care plan based on your child’s progress and your family’s needs.