A novel approach in addressing childhood obesity: Using mentors as part of an after-school nutrition and physical activity program

Childhood obesity rates continue to rise, especially in low-income, underserved communities. A novel program, SOSMentors ShapeUp, was implemented in an East Los Angeles High School, within an existing after-school program. Twenty-four high school students participated, 19 of whom had BMI's above the 85th percentile. Students attended eleven nutrition classes taught by a team, which included a Registered Dietitian. Students sat in table groups of 5-6 students with at least one adult mentor (local Rotarians, college students and school staff). Students learned key nutrition concepts, tried healthy foods, and completed an advocacy project (PhotoVoice). PhotoVoice provided an opportunity for students to photographically document community barriers to healthy behavior and present their displays to key leaders and advocate for necessary change. Nutrition concepts were further reinforced by having the high school students serve as mentors at an elementary school participating in a similar series of nutrition classes. Additionally, the high school students were offered opportunities to exercise 60 minutes twice a week as part of the after-school program. High school students received service learning credit for their participation in cross-age mentoring at the elementary school. Gift certificates were provided for good attendance, participation in exercise, mentoring of elementary students, and completion of a PhotoVoice project. Students' BMI decreased after the program, and they demonstrated an increase in nutrition knowledge, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and decreased consumption of sweets. The mentor model appears to be a novel and viable program to address childhood obesity by reinforcing healthy lifestyle habits through mentoring.