Addressing overweight and obesity amongst children & young people in

out-of-home care: The Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL Study)

Rachael CoxPrimary supervisor: Prof. Helen Skouteris

Associate supervisors: Dr. Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz & Dr. Louise Hardy

Nearly a third of children were classified overweight (28.2%), and one-third were obese

(34.6%) (n=78).

“The cooking and encouragement has been paying off. One of our young people was back in the kitchen creating a healthy meal for lunch the next day. He even requested

photos be taken for his life book. BC* has been talking with staff about career opportunities and exploring the possibility

of doing a hospitality traineeship.”

“In the first three weeks since starting his personal training and new eating plan, Paul lost 10cm from his waist. The improvements in his physical and mental wellbeing are

noticeable and he states he feels happier in himself. Paul has also started setting goals for when he has lost more weight, for example, he would like to join a basketball team and try

swimming.”

* Young peoples names have been changed for confidentiality purposes.

“The unit currently has four young people living there. HEAL has purchased gym and swim passes, and engaged the young in many new activities including, golf,

bowling, go carts, beach days, and a snow trip. The young people are now going to the gym as a group and encouraging each other to keep fit.”

• “HEAL has been working with David for 5 months now. When HEAL first engaged David was an active young person with limited resources and no

extracurricular activities to use his energy. David also had behavioural issues that were distressing staff. When discussing what activities might appeal to David, it was established that he didn’t know how to swim. TheYMCA helped

organise weekly swimming lessons and staff noticed a dramatic change in David’s behaviour - he engaging well with staff and the swimming teacher.”

* Young peoples names have been changed for confidentiality purposes.

Acknowledgements Community Service OrganisationsBerry Street, Salvation Army Westcare, Wesley Mission Victoria & Department of Human Services Hurstbridge FarmIndustry PartnersYMCA Victoria, QUIT Victoria, Department of Sport and Recreation VictoriaUniversity of StirlingFood For Thought Project TeamNational Health and Medical Research CouncilHeart Foundation