Helping children and families build healthier futures

Childhood obesity is a common and growing health concern for families across the country and our borough. But there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and helping your child reach and maintain a healthy weight isn’t something you have to do on your own.

That’s why Maimonides Children’s Hospital has created a healthy lifestyle education and weight management program: the Healthy Lifestyle Program for Kids, or HeLP for Kids. We want to give families the tools, support, and care they need to help their children feel better, live healthier, and thrive.

Is this program right for my child?

Every child is unique, and some may need extra help with weight and related health concerns. Our program may be a good fit if your child is:

• Between 2 and 18 years old
• Above the 95th percentile for body mass index (BMI), as diagnosed by a pediatrician
• Living with weight-related conditions like prediabetes, fatty liver disease, or snoring

How we support families

Healthy change happens when the whole family is supported. That’s why our program focuses not only on the child but also on parents and caregivers. Families receive guidance, encouragement, and resources to create a healthy home environment.

We also recognize that every family’s culture, schedule, and resources are unique. Our nutrition team provides culturally sensitive counseling that makes room for familiar foods and realistic routines.

And when a child matures into adulthood, we can help transition their care to the Maimonides Weight Management Center, ensuring long-term support.

Call to schedule: 718-283-7500

What families can expect

From the very first visit, we focus on whole-family support—combining medical care, nutrition, emotional health, and community resources.

Medical evaluations and lab testing

• Full medical evaluation
• Lab testing for conditions like prediabetes, high cholesterol, or liver disease

Nutrition and healthy habit guidance

• Nutrition counseling that fits family routines and cultural traditions
• Fitness and activity programs tailored to children
• Individual and group sessions for behavior change

Well-being and family support

• Mental health support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD
• Emotional health support and screening for bullying
• Screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can have a lasting impact on a child’s health and well-being
• Social support screening, with referrals to care coordinators for housing, food access, and school progress

Specialist referrals

• Pediatric endocrinologists, to help with any conditions affecting your child’s glands or hormones, such as diabetes
• Pediatric gastroenterologists, to help with any conditions affecting your child’s digestive tract
• Pediatric sleep medicine experts, to help with any conditions affecting your child’s sleep

For added convenience, families also have the option of virtual visits.

Your family’s journey with us

Every family’s journey looks different, but our approach follows a thoughtful process designed to provide care, guidance, and encouragement at each stage.

Step 1: Getting started

• Families may have a referral from their pediatrician or reach out to us directly.
• At the first visit, we review your child’s nutrition and health history, order lab tests, and check for related conditions.
• We also screen for mental and emotional health conditions and sleep issues.

Step 2: Creating a care plan

• Your family meets with a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition support.
• We connect your family to community and social resources to make healthy changes that last.
• If appropriate, we explore options such as weight loss medications or a surgical referral for older teens.

Step 3: Staying supported

• We schedule follow-up visits every one to three months.
• At each visit, your family receives updated nutrition guidance, new screenings, and continued emotional support.
• Care plans evolve as your child grows and your family needs change.

Why families choose us

Our program is built around trust, expertise, and the belief that every child deserves care that fits their life. Your family can expect:

• A welcoming, judgment-free environment
• A dedicated pediatric team with advanced training and American Board of Obesity Medicine certification
• Care plans tailored to your child’s needs
• Coordinated care across specialties
• Focus on long-term health, not quick fixes
• Ongoing support for healthier choices at home, school, and beyond

Office information

If you’re concerned about your child’s weight or health, Maimonides’ Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP) for Kids is here for you. Call us at 718-283-7500 to learn more and schedule your first visit.

Office hours: Wednesdays, 1:00–6:00 pm

Visit us: Both in-person and virtual visits are available. Our office is located at: