According to the Centers for Disease Control*, 45.6% of children (ages 6 to 11) and 45.9% of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) are overweight or obese. Obese children and adolescents account for 16% of Type 2 diabetes and tend to have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Overweight adolescents also have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
Weight issues in children are often caused by environmental factors, such as a lack of physical activity combined with a diet of high-caloric foods. But change is possible. If maintained, even weight losses as little as 10% of body weight can improve a child’s health. The key is to get started and make a change.
Helping Children Succeed for a Lifetime
Haymarket Physical Therapy & Chiropractic has partnered with the
We Can! program to create a multi-disciplinary approach to effectively address weight management issues in children and teens.
The goal of our ten week
Pediatric Weight Management Program is to encourage positive lifestyle changes through a multi-faceted program encompassing fitness, counseling, medical coordination and nutrition education.
- Physical Therapy
Participants in the program work with physical therapists from Haymarket Physical Therapy & Chiropractic to increase metabolism, endurance and strength while decreasing body weight and body mass index (BMI). Participants are given an initial and an exit evaluation by the physical therapy team as well as six one-on-one sessions. Physical therapy is covered by most insurance plans. (Note: Insurance copays and deductibles may apply.)
- Group Fitness
Your child will enjoy working out to upbeat music with other children and teens in group fitness classes taught by certified personal trainers at Haymarket Physical Therapy & Chiropractic. Classes cost $10, and participants are encouraged to attend sessions three times a week.
- Counseling Services
Haymarket Physical Therapy & Chiropractic has teamed up with area counselors to provide services to program participants. Counseling is covered by most insurance plans, and both parents and children are encouraged to attend weekly sessions.
- Medical Coordination
Haymarket Physical Therapy & Chiropractic will work with your pediatrician to coordinate and track your child's progress. Endocrine testing may be advised for your child to rule out medical issues, such as diabetes and thyroid problems.
- We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition)
This country-wide program of the National Institutes of Health focuses on assisting families and communities in helping youth achieve a healthy weight. Haymarket Physical Therapy & Chiropractic is offering this program in conjunction with area counselors and a nutrition consultant. This six-session program focuses on improved food choices, increased physical activity and decreased screen time.
- Nutrition Counseling
Through the We Can! program and our interactive nutrition sessions, participants learn about the importance of healthy eating through various activities: a field trip to the grocery store, sharing of recipes, and development of a diet diary and an ongoing nutrition plan. The $80 fee includes eight sessions for parents and their children. Program partner Entrees Made Easy is offering nutritionally based meals to participants at a reduced cost. For $160, you can receive eight healthy and delicious meals serving four to six people.
To find out more about Haymarket Physical Therapy & Chiropractic's Pediatric Weight Management Program, call us at (703) 753-0974 or
Nutrition/Supplements
Printable version of Pediatric Weight Management Program brochure:
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Inside Panel
Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Ogden et. al. JAMA. 2002;288:1728-1732.
