Programs and Services
Center for Pediatric Weight Management and Healthy Living
Weigh Smart®
Program Overview
Center for Pediatric Weight Management and Healthy Living Programs
The Weigh Smart® at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital is a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach to weight management involving medical, nutritional, educational and behavioral components to help children acquire healthy eating and exercise habits that will last a lifetime. In addition, the group program has an exercise segment that is designed to be fun, therefore, encourage life-long participation. Each child will participate in a one-on-one clinical assessment with our team. Depending on the child's needs, that team may include a pediatric gastroenterologist or nurse practitioner, pediatric psychologist, pediatric dietitian and a physical therapist.
The Weigh Smart® Program is open to children ages 8 to 17 years old and focuses on lifestyle changes, healthy dietary choices and exercise. The group program is designed as a series of 10 twice a week, 60 minute discussion sessions with a 60 minute group exercise class. We also offer an individualized program for children and their parent(s) to meet with a therapist to focus on behavior change as a family unit. The team will discuss which program may be more appropriate for your family at the initial assessment.
Admission Criteria:
Enrollment requires completion of admission paperwork and obtaining fasting labwork through your pediatrician's office.
Required fasting labs include a lipid panel, glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1C, AST, ALT and vitamin D.
Please Note: We will book an evaluation only after receiving your child's completed admission paperwork.
For additional questions please call::
Molly Schreiber
Program Coordinator
410-578-5145
mschreiber@mwph.orgor Michelle Demeule
Program Manager
410-578-5342
mdemeule@mwph.org
Program Costs:
Rashaad Glasgow holding up pants he wore prior to participating in the WeighSmart® program.
Because many of these services may not be covered by insurance, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital has taken steps to help families with the costs of the Weigh Smart® program.
Your insurance company will likely require pre-authorization and referrals from the child's primary care provider for these services. It is each family's responsibility to understand their own coverage and requirements. We will bill your insurance company for the services and collect co-pays and deductibles at the time of service.
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital does provide financial assistance and/or payment plans to families that qualify as part of its commitment to providing the highest quality pediatric health care in a nurturing environment.
The determination of your costs and arrangements for payment will be discussed during the assessment phase. A special thanks to the Solomon, Theresa and Maurice Greenwald Fund of the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Foundation for making possible a grant to support the Weigh Smart® program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during the evaluation appointment?
During the evaluation appointment, your child will see a pediatric gastroenterologist or nurse practitioner and a pediatric psychologist. You should anticipate at least a two hour appointment. Your child will be weighed and measured and a body fat analysis will be performed.
Upon completion of the evaluation, the team will discuss which treatment option is best for your child. If the group program is recommended, your child will also have appointments with a pediatric dietitian and a physical therapist. Parents or guardians must also attend a parent information session prior to the start of the group program.
The dietitian will assess the need for dietary changes based on your child's eating patterns and lab-work. The physical therapist will assess if your child is safe to exercise. If the individual program is recommended, your child will also meet with a pediatric dietitian before beginning ongoing sessions with the child's therapist.
What can I expect during the program?
During the group program, you and your child will come for 2 sessions per week. Sessions consists of one hour of education/discussion with one hour of exercise. The sessions are usually either Monday or Wednesday evenings after 5:00 PM. Please call the program for more details regarding times.
We encourage the involvement of family members during class discussions and require that they participate in three of the exercise sessions as a coach and motivator. Your child will be weighed once a week before class but will not be told the results to minimize anxiety regarding weight loss or gain. We will share results with parents or guardians in confidence if requested.
The individual program offers more flexibility, with appointments scheduled at mutually agreeable times for the therapist and the family. The individualized program does not involve a group exercise program.
What happens after my child completes the program?
We hope that you and your child will continue on the path of making healthy lifestyle changes. We will help you establish a physical fitness routine by identifying resources in the community and offering ideas for working out at home.
Your child will return to clinic for frequent follow up visits, generally every 2-3 months to monitor the child’s progress and help maintain changes long-term.
What benefits can my child expect from participating?
We emphasize improved health and better lifestyle choices. Many of our participants report improved self-esteem, better physical fitness and satisfaction with changes made to their lifestyles as a result of the program. Many children have seen a drop in their body fat percentage and report that clothes fit better. Our goals are to instill self esteem and better lifestyle choices related to diet and fitness.
Forms and Notices:
Notice to Parents about Payments for Services
*Return the completed New Patient Information Form one of the following ways:
- In-person during your next appointment
- By FAX: 410-578-2654
- Mail it to:
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Weigh Smart ® Program
1708 West Rogers Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21209-4596
Please Note: We will book an evaluation only after receiving your child's completed New Patient Information Form. We will call you upon receipt of your child's paperwork to book his or her evaluation.
Fit to Print Newsletter:
Donors
The Center for Pediatric Weight Management and Healthy Living thanks the following donors for their support of the Center:
- Baltimore Community Foundation
- General Mills Foundation
- Kaiser Permanente Foundation
- Mt. Washington Pediatric Foundation
- Ravens All Community Team Foundation
- Rite Aid Foundation
- Safeway
- The Alvin and Fanny B. Thalheimer Foundation, Inc.
