Obesity Program

Clinical Programs

At our specialty clinics, we evaluate children and teens who have concerns about being overweight, are overweight (body mass index [BMI] between the 85th and 95th percentiles) or are obese (BMI greater than the 95th percentile).

The Child Wellness Clinic sees children ages 2 to 11 years.

Since children who are overweight are at risk of developing other conditions, we work closely with experts in Adolescent Medicine, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Psychiatry, Sleep Disorders and Sports Medicine to provide complete care for your child or teen.

At this time, we do not provide bariatric surgery.

Community Programs

We work closely with your primary care provider for ongoing follow-up. We may refer you to resources in your community as well.

ACT! Actively Changing Together at the YMCA

In a partnership with the YMCA, we offer the ACT! program (Actively Changing Together), a healthy lifestyle program for youth who have a BMI greater than 85 percentile.

Fit 4 You at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic

If your child receives care at Odessa Brown Children's Clinic (OBCC), be sure to ask about Fit 4 You at your next visit.

Fit 4 You is a program at OBCC that promotes healthy lifestyles during well-child visits. Families can learn about healthy eating and attend nutrition and cooking classes. Follow-up visits for overweight or obese children are also available. Learn more about Fit 4 You (PDF).

Local/statewide coalitions and initiatives

Because the problem of childhood and teen overweight and obesity goes beyond individual and personal responsibility, we are involved in several community-wide coalitions and initiatives that are taking steps to stop the obesity epidemic:

  • UW Center for Public Health Nutrition fosters collaborative research that integrates the biomedical, public health and policy aspects of the obesity epidemic.
  • Washington Action for Healthy Kids supports schools and communities in their efforts to be places where students can be physically active and choose healthy foods.
  • Statewide Pioneering Healthier Communities (PDF) is part of the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs. Through this initiative, the alliance convenes state and community leaders to work together to implement strategies that support healthy living.