Welcome to Healthy Weight Partnership and our brand new MEND website!

MEND programs now have a new home on the Healthy Weight Partnership website. Here you can find information on how we have supported more than 100,000 children with overweight and obesity, and their parents, through participation in our child weight management programs.

MEND is the largest and most researched system of child weight management programs in the world. It has been developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including dietitians, psychologists, physical activity specialists, academics, ethnographers and many more. Our MEND programs are designed to support families struggling with overweight and obesity to navigate the complexities of living in today’s obesogenic society.

The MEND approach provides support for children and their families to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Our focus is not just on weight itself, but instead on the behaviors that lead to overweight and obesity. Effective behavior change strategies empower families to change and make healthier lifestyle choices (Mind). Families learn to enjoy being physically active (Exercise) and discover that healthier foods and drinks can be delicious, nutritious and affordable (Nutrition). They are motivated and supported in taking sustainable action to lead healthier lifestyles – for life (Do it!).

MEND has been thoroughly evaluated in more than 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

We work with a wide range of partners to deliver MEND’s child weight management programs, as we believe that working in partnership is the key to overcoming overweight and obesity. Organizations we work with include governments, healthcare organizations, corporations, foundations, non-profits, academic institutions, community and faith-based organizations, as well as individual practitioners and supporters.

We offer quality programs with the flexibility to choose the model that is right for you, your organization and community. Options include training, resources, reporting, evaluation and project management – all the elements needed to help individuals and organizations manage child obesity in their communities.

We would love to work with you to support families in your community. So, please get in touch!

Paul Sacher PhD, RD

Science Director