Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has declared September 19-24 Childhood Obesity Week.
According to the State of Michigan, childhood obesity in the United States has tripled in the past decade; and one in three children are now considered obese or overweight.
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Experts estimate that by 2020 approximately 15 million U.S. children will be considered obese; and at the current rate. It is estimated that one-third to one-half of the children born in the 21st century will become diabetic. In Michigan, 12% of middle school children and 15% of high school students are considered obese.
Governor Snyder is encouraging parents to sit down with their children and teach them how to make healthier food choices, the importance of portion control and the value of exercise.
He also wants parents to recognize the efforts of such organizations as Medical Weight Loss Clinic in providing the resources and tools for Michigan youth to make healthy food choices.
Throughout the month of September, Medical Weight Loss Clinic will be giving away 930 of its special Pro-Teen plans to Michigan’s young people looking for help in maintaining a healthy weight.
“At MWLC, we recognize acutely the challenges people face at every age with healthy weight management,” said David Paull, MWLC president. “As a Michigan-based company, we want to take a stand in the fight against the obesity epidemic among our youth here at home. We’re hoping by making available our expertise, resources and support to nearly 1,000 families free of charge, we can help make a big difference for some of our young people.”
To receive a free Pro-Teen program, applicants (who must have proof of approval for participation from a legal guardian) must be aged 10-17 and meet enrollment eligibility based on current program protocols. The Pro-Teen program is designed not only for weight loss, but also to educate young people on more sensible food choices and portion control, to help ensure a lifetime of healthy habits.
Each clinic’s 30 free Pro-Teen programs – which include all medical set-up, lab work, 10-weeks of weight loss services and all nutritional supplements, and are valued more than $500 each – will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis from using an online entry system here.
Applicants must complete a short entry form and describe in 100 words or less why they are interested in MWLC’s Pro-Teen weight-loss services.