MEND: empowering children and adults to become fitter, healthier and happier and to reach or maintain a healthier weight

• Presentation about the MEND programme

Report abstract

MEND offers free, evidence-based obesity prevention and treatment programmes in the local community for children aged 2-13. Established in 2004, the MEND Programme was devised by child obesity experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the University College London Institute of Child Health, to help children and their families become fitter, healthier and happier. MEND works with local, regional and national partners to deliver over 400 programmes across the world which have benefitted over 20,000 families. In addition to MEND's healthy lifestyle programmes for children and their families, MEND offers class room resources, obesity management training for front-line staff and facilitated self-help programmes for adults. An independent study published in Obesity Journal in February found that children who attended the MEND Programme experienced long-term health benefits, including sustained weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular fitness and self-esteem.

By MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) Jan 2011