Cost-effective, scalable & culturally relevant obesity management delivered in communities June 29, 2011 Teresa Earle, MEND Victor Dominguez, YMCA of Greater Los Angeles

MEND Mind Exercise Nutrition Do it! Reduce childhood obesity through innovation, partnerships and practical action

MEND 7-13 Setting Community Group-based Venues include: YMCA, recreation centers, schools, faith-based organizations Afterschool & primetime evenings (e.g – 7.30pm) and weekends Low unit cost – peer health educators Participants 7-13 years Above healthy weight (> 85 th - 99 th centile) Parental attendance required Siblings included Parents and children measured culturally suitable for families from minority ethnic groups-bilingual materials Research Developed 2001 Experienced obesity specialists 10 years of research and evidence Largest data from large-scale dissemination in diverse community settings Aligned to USPSTF recommendations Content & duration >40 hrs and 2 yrs maintenance 10 week intensive phase – multi component Behavior change strategies Physical activity Nutrition counseling and education Parental efficacy, youth empowerment Maintenance: up to 24 months support including: Web-based support, self-directed behavior change, physical activity

Behavior change strategies

Physical Activity: Spark & Catch curriculums

Nutrition education and modeling

Nutrition targets and reading labels

Explained with high-impact demos…

Brought to life in a supermarket…

Maintenance and support Health Journey Kit Challenges+ Magazines MEND World Website Local MEND World activities MEND World Resources Weekly exercise sessions Promoting community activity Supporting family networks Healthy Growth Checks

Participant management system

6 month RCT outcomes Sacher et al. Obesity. 2010

12 month outcomes sustained BMI z-score Self-esteem score (out of 24) Start 12 months Waist circumference z-score Recovery heart rate (bpm) P< P< P= P= P< Start 12m P< P= P=0.026 Start 12m

Programs in Dallas, Houston, Austin, Waco, Temple, Los Angeles, Wash. D.C., New York Partnerships with local YMCA’s/Parks & Rec Emerging US data

US comparative cost-effectiveness

A Case Study: Weingart East Los Angeles Y & Southeast-Rio Vista YMCA with The Rose Hills Foundation + MEND 7-13 Program

& There are three essential strategies for the success of The Y and MEND Program partnership – focus on results – shape relationships – structure for resilience Use of these key strategies enabled our partnership to move quickly and respond effectively to our changing environments

Team structure Rose Hills Foundation Nutrition and Mind Theory Leader(s) Leads Mind and Nutrition sessions YMCA Program Manager Plans and manages all activities around MEND May be supported by an Administrative Assistant. MEND Regional Manager Key contact within MEND to assist with Program set up and delivery MEND Operations, Media and Communication, Research and Program Development, Partnership Development Exercise Leaders(s) Leads land and water Exercise sessions Program Assistant Assists the Mind and Nutrition Leader MEND 7-13 Participants Families (parents/carers and children participating in MEND 7-13)

The YMCA MEND Program has seen measurable changes – children are losing BMI, inches on their waist, eating more nutritious food, engaging in more physical activity, and increasing self and body esteem scores. What more could a funder ask for?

Our Impact Nearly 100 community children + their families who attended our bilingual MEND programs over last 16 months showed the following measurable results: 68% of participants reduced or maintained BMI at 3 mos Waist circumference decreased by nearly an inch at 3 mos Children added 2.4 hours more physical activity and decreased sedentary activity by 5.3 hours Children increased their physical fitness by a reduction in recovery heart rate by 6 beats per minute!

Thriving Partnerships 35% of parents indicated no health insurance 30% felt they were underinsured 76% of the children enrolled were obese. Dr. John Tierney from Kaiser Permanente-Sunset volunteered his time to provide complimentary physicals for families registered in MEND.

Bite Size: A feature documentary that tackles the problem of childhood obesity head on. The film follows one MEND participant, Moises, as he and his mother gained the support & education they need to change their habits to a more “MEND-friendly” diet and exercise. The film crew witnessed trials and triumphs of Moises and his family, as they learn about health and how to maintain their bodies. Release Date: 2012

Defining our Partnership Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. -Henry Ford-

THANK YOU! Teresa Earle: Victor Dominguez: