Childhood obesity remains a pressing concern across northeast Indiana, with growing numbers of children facing health risks like type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Families often encounter barriers when trying to access structured programs that promote physical activity, balanced nutrition and lasting behavior change. Recognizing this critical gap, Parkview Health adopted and expanded a nationally recognized initiative,
FitKids360, to meet the need for early, accessible intervention.'
Originally developed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, FitKids360 was created as a response to childhood obesity by a team of pediatricians, dietitians and social workers. The evidence-based, 7-week program targets children ages 5–17 who are above a healthy weight and aims to promote lasting, healthy behaviors through education and support. Parkview Health implemented this model locally through its Community Health Improvement team, tailoring it to the specific needs of the region.
Kylee Bennett, manager, Community Well-Being, Parkview Health, and Katie Fulk, registered and licensed dietitian, work together to run the program for Parkview and have directly seen the benefits.
“One of the things our team noticed years ago was there was a gap in our community when it comes to treatment opportunities for children struggling with obesity,” Bennett says. “
FitKids is one program that has been adopted by Parkview to positively impact our obesity rates in Northeast Indiana.”
The program, which combines lessons in nutrition, physical activity and behavior change, is designed for both children and their families. Each week, participants engage in activities led by Parkview experts, including registered dietitians and health educators, like Bennett and Fulk.
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A Parkview Expert works with a child and his guardian in the FitKids360 program on an activity.“There is such value in programs that focus on preventative measures,” adds Fulk. “It means kiddos can live a life without chronic illness. If they have the knowledge to create behavior change that nourishes their bodies, we can prevent chronic illness such as obesity, which leads to type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.”
Removing Barriers to Access
A key strength of FitKids360 is its accessibility. The program is offered at no cost to families, eliminating a major barrier for those who might otherwise go without support. Referrals are accepted from Parkview providers, outside organizations and schools. Or, families can self-refer.
"Many families face barriers to healthcare and healthy living, which can greatly impact their ability to implement preventative health measures or manage a chronic illness,” Bennett says. “This program addresses these barriers and ensures that all children, regardless of their background, can benefit from the program.
“A lot of our chronic illnesses can be prevented with nutrition interventions, but not everyone has the same access,” she adds. For this reason, the instructors make the information applicable and easy to understand, so that participants can adopt the strategies.
“FitKids empowers participants to adopt healthier behaviors,” Bennett explains. “This approach helps bridge the gap in health disparities and promotes greater health and well-being for all involved."
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Parkview experts give lessons in nutrition, movement and behavioral health as part of FitKids360.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-Being
The benefits of FitKids360 go beyond physical health. The program also supports children’s mental and emotional well-being, particularly those who may have experienced weight-related stigma or bullying.
“We see a lot of children, unfortunately, bullied because of their size,” Bennett says. “As a mom, it's so easy to think I did this. Because there's such a negative connotation, it’s difficult to have any sort of conversation around it.”
The mission of FitKids is to create healthier communities, one ‘FitKid’ at a time by helping to encourage and support healthy lifestyle habits for families.
“They're here because they want to make positive, lasting changes,” Bennett says.
The program emphasizes community and encouragement. Participants are surrounded by families, caregivers and instructors who are rooting for their success.
Long-Term Impact
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Children and parents hear lessons on nutrition, movement and behavioral health as part of FitKids360.Over the years, the scope of the program has swelled. Initially connected to a small number of Parkview providers, the program is now available throughout the health system and across community partnerships.
“We started very small, working with a few
providers at Parkview. It’s grown significantly,” says Bennett.
The instructors, many of whom are Parkview experts, use a written curriculum. They focus on different lessons in nutrition, movement and behavioral health each week.
“All of our food relationships are really unique,” Fulk explains. “My job is to figure out what their food relationship is and see if we can make it a positive one.”
“We’re helping them so that they don't have to go in and see the doctor as frequently,” Bennett adds. “Or so that they're not on as many medications. We bring all components of well-being together and provide this education for a healthier lifestyle that is sustainable.”
The goal is to build long-term, sustainable changes that participants can carry with them throughout the rest of their lives.
“I don't want to provide something that they can do for a week because they’ll eat every single day for the rest of their lives,” Fulk says. “I want them to live their healthiest life.”
Working with younger children offers the chance to intervene earlier and instill healthy habits that can lead to the prevention of chronic disease and other setbacks later on.
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Children and parents in the FitKids360 learn about physical activity, balanced nutrition and lasting behavior change.
“These kids can determine what our obesity rates look like in the next five, 10, 20 years,” Fulk explains.
The ripple these instructors are creating is a great example of the power of offering the right tools at the right time.
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