Our Benefit to the Community

N.E.W. Keiki Program Tackles Childhood Obesity

In ancient Hawaii, children (keiki) were raised not only by their mothers and fathers, but by the entire family (ohana).

It was the shared responsibility of the ohana to care for the keiki and provide them with food, guidance and love so that they could mature into healthy members of the community.

Taking its cue from this cultural practice, the N.E.W. (Nutrition Exercise Weight) Keiki Weight Management Program is a family-based intervention created to address the rise in childhood obesity.

Created as a partnership between Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children and the YMCA of Honolulu, this evidence-based program uses a multi-disciplinary approach that works with both the child and family unit as a whole to develop healthier lifestyle habits together.

“Changing family habits is an effective way to treat obesity and disease related to overweight problems in keiki,” said Erin Farmer of the YMCA of Honolulu. “Through this wonderful partnership we have developed with Kapiolani Medical Center, we have been able to engage the entire family unit in order to address these lifestyle changes that are necessary for our keiki to be successful.”
Over the course of three months, participants learn to develop healthy habits through classes focused on proper nutrition, cooking, fitness, mental health, family support and community building. Formal follow-up sessions are included after the initial intensive phase to keep families motivated, engaged and accountable over the subsequent 12 months.

In 2015, three cohorts were conducted, with 20 children and their families completing the program.

Since its inception in 2013 through June 2015, the program has led nine cohorts and impacted 62 Oahu families with a total of 197 participants.