With the number of obese American children continuing to rise, the problem may seem insurmountable, but the UB weight loss program has enjoyed the type of success that may help turn the tide.
"As far as I know, there's no other programs that have the kind of long term success that we do," said SUNY Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Leonard Epstein, who supervises the UB weight loss program.
"Most weight loss programs are successful in the very short run and the longer you follow the kids or adults the more they end up going back to their old habits and regaining the weight."
Epstein finds that after ten years, 50 percent of past participants in the UB program have been able to stay at a healthy weight, a rate, he says, is far higher than the norm.
The most recent statistics show one in three American children are considered obese, a number, Epstein says "has doubled in the last 20 years."
For kids fighting weight problems, the biggest challenge may be found at home.
"Parents model particular behaviors for their kids," Epstein said.
"They create a shared family environment in terms of the types of foods that are stored in the house.The kinds of activities families do in their leisure time. The way parents support kids for healthier eating or physical activity."
Many believe the situation has reached epidemic proportions and will only provide another long term drag on the nation's already overburdened healthcare system.
The National Institutes of Health are providing support that will allow Dr. Epstein's program to work with another series of overweight children and their families.
"What we do in our program is a lot of emphasis on behavior change. Changing the shared family environment. Getting the parents and kids working together on this," Epstein said.
"It makes a tremendous difference if the parents and kids are doing it together than if just the child is trying to do it, or the parent in an adult weight loss program is just try to do it by themselves. Having the family work together really is a good source of support."
The program is looking for new participants, obese children, ages 8 through 12, who have at least one overweight parent.
Those interested can call (716) 829-6697.
