ProActive Kids Boasts 100% Improvement in BMI for 8th Session

Online, November 26, 2011 (Newswire.com) - ProActive Kids Foundation (PAK) announced today that 100% of kids that participated in the most recent eight-week child obesity program improved their BMI and other key health indicators.

"PAK was a wonderful experience for me. When I started PAK I was shy and kept to myself, but now, eight weeks later, I am more outspoken and have higher self-esteem," said 11-year old Jason who lost two lbs., improved BMI by one point, and won the program's highest honor, the Presti Award, for commitment to the program's principles.

Nine kids completed the 8th session of ProActive Kids' PAK PLAN. According to PAK Executive Director Nicole Klinkhamer, "These kids and families were awesome. All of our participants experienced a decrease in BMI. And, just as important, all showed a positive increase in their measured social behaviors. Both are core goals in the PAK program." In addition, 100% of participants also saw positive improvement in Body Fat, Fat Mass and Fat Free Mass. The majority saw improvements in hip/waist measurement as well as grip strength and heart rate.

Additionally, parents surveyed cited that they have seen positive changes in their kids' self-esteem and body image as well as the ability to make better nutritional decisions as a result of the program. Most indicated that, as a family, they have made great strides in selecting healthy food and meal plans, reading food labels, and monitoring portion sizes. Overall, family communication was also cited as benefit of the PAK PLAN.

"My daughter's weight has escalated out of control for the past 3 years. We tried different programs to help her, but nothing worked," said Betsy Alma. "She has always been shy and lacks self-confidence. At PAK, she has lost almost 6 pounds and BMI decreased by over 1 point. This is a huge victory for her as she has never lost weight in her life - only gained. She is also a happier person with more self-confidence. This program teaches kids lifelong skills and tools that can be used throughout their lives. And since the whole family is involved, every family member benefits."

The kids and their families committed to a FREE 8-week session held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday where they focused on nutrition education, fitness and activities and lifestyle coaching.

According to Klinkhamer, "The kids, parents and staff were focused on improving overall health results, and were fully committed to making meaningful changes in their lives. The goals were clearly set in Week 1 and all families worked hard to achieve success."

To date, more than 90 kids and their families (reaching more than 300 people total) have gone through the ProActive Kids program, since it was launched in 2009. PAK currently operates out of the Wheaton Park District in Wheaton, IL, and is supported by funding through Central DuPage Hospital. ProActive Kids will add another site location beginning January 23rd at Edward Health & Fitness Center in Woodridge, sponsored by Edward Hospital.

To learn more about the ProActive Kids Foundation or to enroll your child for 2012 sessions beginning January 23rd, please call 630-681-1558 or visit www.proactivekids.org.