A new program to curb childhood obesity in the province will get underway next month.
It is the result of a partnership between the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Blue Cross, which is providing $1 million for the initiative.
The program is called MEND — which is short for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It — and it will be led by the university’s College of Kinesiology.
MEND is designed to inspire children and families to lead and sustain fitter, healthier and happier lives by changing behaviours that cause obesity.
Children and their parents learn about topics that range from nutrition and portion size to motivation and goal setting. Children participate in group physical activity, while parents discuss ways to improve the overall health of their families.
More than a quarter of Canadian children aged two to 17 are overweight or obese. In Saskatchewan, the rate is over 29%.
The program will begin as a three-year project, starting with Saskatoon in the first year and expanding to Prince Albert and northern communities in year two. In its third year, it will expand throughout the province to include Regina and southern regions.