IHBLT Program: The MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do It!) and Healthy Together Programs (MEND)

Brief Description

MEND’s Family Health Weight Programs have been developed and continuously improved over the last 22 years by leading international child health experts, including specialist pediatric dietitians, psychologists, behavioral scientists, exercise physiologists and education specialists. Globally respected obesity academics have independently and extensively evaluated MEND programs.

Programs provide age appropriate, multi-component support for children between 2 and 13 and their families to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle. The focus is not on weight itself, but instead on the behaviors that lead to overweight and obesity. Effective behavior change strategies empower families to change and make healthier lifestyle choices (Mind). Families learn to enjoy being physically active (Exercise) and discover that healthier foods and drinks can be delicious, nutritious and affordable (Nutrition). They are motivated and supported in taking sustainable action to lead healthier lifestyles - for life (Do it!).

MEND Programs are delivered to groups of up to 15 children and their parents/caregivers in a range of healthcare, community and education settings. They include nutrition advice and physical activity, all underpinned by evidence-based behavior change techniques and strategies. The modular Healthy Together version of MEND enables more flexible delivery formats, depending on resources and setting.

Their core is typically 10 weeks, with the options of maintenance and support for up to 1 year. The USPSTF-compliant programs are offered with training, leader manuals and teaching aids in a kitbag, and extensive child and adult participant resources. Customizable options include all the elements needed to easily set up and run these programs backed by over 18 years of operational experience. HWP provides the flexibility to choose the model that is right for the program organizer and community, appropriate technical assistance and operational learnings from delivery in multiple settings – from healthcare to community, education to faith-based.

The programs are supported by the largest international evidence base of its kind, demonstrating that both children and their parents/caregivers improve their weight status and benefit from many additional improvements in health and psychosocial outcomes, including quality of life and body-esteem in children. MEND programs are rigorously evaluated to monitor quality assurance and continuously improve them.

Delivery Location

Combination of Healthcare Setting and Community-Based

If Community-Based, Where

MEND programs have been implemented in a variety of community based and healthcare settings including YMCAs, Parks & Rec, Community Centers, FQHC facilities, Hospitals, Independent School districts, Universities. The MEND 7-13 program is also the basis of the YMCA of the USA’s Healthy Weight and Your Child program.

Willingness to Connect with Medical Home

Yes

Health Outcomes

MEND delivers improvements in health outcomes and risk behaviors including • Reductions in Child and Parental BMI • Reductions in waist circumference • Improved cardiovascular fitness • Improvements in psychological symptoms, Quality of Life and body and self-esteem validated measures • Indicative other clinical improvements including BP, HbA1c, NAFLD • Improvements in diet, eating behaviors, • Increased physical activity levels and reduced sedentary behaviors • Improvements in family relationships.

Eligible Population

Children 2-13 Years old and their families, specifically: 1) Children ages 6–13 with overweight or obesity, as well as those at risk of developing overweight or obesity, and their families. And 2) All children ages 2-5 and their families, especially those who have or are at risk of developing overweight or obesity.

Length of Intervention

MEND programs are multicomponent and vary by program type, age group and implementation style, but in general their core is typically 10 weeks, with the options of maintenance and support for up to 1 year. They are group based and can be delivered in-person or virtually. Specifically, MEND 6-13 / Healthy Together: 60-120 minute sessions twice weekly for 10 weeks. MEND 2-5: 90-minute sessions weekly for 10 weeks.

Links/Contact Info

https://healthyweightpartnership.org/

Additional info or technical assistance: info@healthyweightpartnership.org, by phone (818) 879-0493, or via submission form on our website.

Lead Contact

Teresa Earle: teresa.earle@healthyweightpartnership.org 818/879-0493 or 310/529-7718