Pediatric Weight Control Program

The Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program (PPWCP) is a family-based, group behavioral and educational program. PPWCP promotes healthy eating and exercise habits for overweight children, adolescents, and their families. The program is part of Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital’s Center for Healthy Weight. The program offers age-specific programs for children and adolescents in both English and Spanish. The six-month weight management program groups together 12 families who meet together on a weekly basis. The participants and their families learn to identify and avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods; develop better exercise habits; reduce sedentary behaviors; follow a healthy, balanced diet; and maintain a healthy weight over the long-term.

The goals of the Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program are to (1) help children improve their eating and exercise habits; (2) create a balanced diet; and (3) help participating children maintain or gradually lose weight.

Since its inception in 1999, more than 80% of children and adolescents participating in the program have achieved age-appropriate weight reduction. The PPWCP staff and families work together to evaluate individual progress by looking at weekly weight measurements, monthly height measurements, and recorded changes in eating and exercise habits.