Commited to Making Our Patients and Their Families Fit for Life

Thank you for considering the Sinai Children’s Hospital Pediatric Weight Management Program. This is the first step towards helping your family become healthier now and for the rest of your lives. Our team of health professionals will work with you and your children to help your family maintain or lose weight to prevent health complications.

Focus on Family

As a parent or caretaker, you are the most influential person in your child’s life. This means that you play a key role in helping your child achieve a healthier weight. Research has shown that overweight children are at a higher risk for health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, knee and back problems and depression. When it comes to improving your child’s health, it is never too late or too early to make lifestyle changes that will encourage a healthier weight.

The Pediatric Weight Management team is committed to making you and your family fit for life. We look forward to working with you and your family on achieving a healthy lifestyle.

What’s Expected of you?

The Pediatric Weight Management team cannot be successful unless you and your family are motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes. Participants are responsible for monitoring their progress and achievement of goals throughout the program with assistance from the parent or guardian. It is expected that all scheduled appointments are attended or at least 24 hours notice of cancellation is provided.

Sinai Fit

In addition to regularly scheduled clinic visits, the Pediatric Weight Management Clinic offers Sinai Fit to eligible patients ages 7-18. This 12-week program is designed to improve the health of your entire family through group exercise, nutrition and support classes.

The Pediatric Weight Management Team

Pediatricians Dr. Michael Lotke or Dr. Brian Edelstein will provide a physical examination, appropriate medical tests, and counsel on the risks associated with obesity and ways to address weight gain.

Registered Dietitian Andrea Frank reinforces the doctor’s message by going into specific behavior changes, initiating a Healthy Life Plan with the family, and discussing program options.

Psychologist Erika Wicks provides a social and emotional assessment for the patient and family.

Physical Therapist Jana Susie works with children group exercise activities to enhance independence as well as physical and emotional well-being.

Nutrition Educator Ruth Casteneda works closely with our families to support them during the process of making lifestyle changes.