Healthy Weight Clinic Battles Childhood Obesity with Positivity

Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the United States, with nearly one in five children and adolescents affected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Excess weight in childhood isn’t just a temporary stage: It can lead to serious long-term health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

In Utah, the problem mirrors national trends, and many families are left wondering how to address the issue in a way that’s safe, supportive, and sustainable.

At Utah Valley Pediatrics, a pioneering solution is already underway. The Healthy Weight Clinic offers a comprehensive, family-focused approach to help children and their loved ones build healthy habits that last. Overseen by nurse practitioner Sharman Clayton at the Provo UVP office, the program is one of only seven primary care sites in the nation—and the only one in Utah—recognized by the CDC and run through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

“I want parents to know that the lifestyle changes we work on make a real difference and can improve their child’s health for their whole lifetime,” Clayton says. “There is a lot of confusing information floating around in social media and elsewhere surrounding weight loss, but this program helps to cut through all of that to focus on what really matters and what really works for children to get to a healthier weight and have a healthier lifestyle.”

Rethinking the Approach to Childhood Obesity

Many families struggling with childhood obesity feel overwhelmed by the advice and expectations placed on them. Traditional weight-management programs often focus solely on the child and emphasize numbers on a scale, an approach that may miss the broader context of lifestyle, family support, and mental health.

“It’s a positive environment,” says Clayton of the UVP program, “because we are focusing on following a healthy lifestyle rather than being a specific weight.”

Utah Valley Pediatrics’ Healthy Weight Clinic is modeled on guidelines from the AAP, which advocate for evidence-based interventions that are compassionate, collaborative, and long-term. This isn’t a crash diet or one-size-fits-all plan: It’s a journey toward better overall health.

What Sets the Program Apart

Each enrolled family participates in regular group classes where they learn practical strategies for healthier eating, increased physical activity, and managing emotions related to food. These are paired with monthly individual visits, where participants receive personalized support and goal-setting to keep them motivated.

“The individual visits allow the program to be tailored to the child, their family, and their specific needs,” Clayton says. “The group visits provide a safe space to share ideas and learn with other families going through the same lifestyle changes. It lets the child and parents see that they are not the only ones on the path to a healthier lifestyle.” 

The combination of group learning and individual coaching is designed to create accountability and momentum. Parents are encouraged to model healthy behaviors, and siblings are welcome to participate, making it a true family affair.

“The goal is to help the family understand the ‘why’ behind what they are doing as well as to help them build a healthier lifestyle,” Clayton says. “When people know why they do things, they are more likely to keep doing them.”

The Power of Family and Positivity

The program intentionally steers away from stigmatizing language, instead framing discussions in a way that promotes health, strength, and confidence.

“There is an emphasis on being kind and using wording that is accepting rather than labeling,” Clayton says.

To help children stay engaged, the team incorporates incentives like monthly prizes and positive reinforcement. The atmosphere is deliberately upbeat, and the program prioritizes making kids feel supported—not shamed. Clayton helps children set monthly goals that are specific and obtainable to their own situation, with rewards for progress.

“They don’t have to be perfect at the goals to get a prize. Even small efforts are worthwhile and should be rewarded,” she says. “We celebrate even small healthy changes.” 

Examples of Change

Since starting the program in April, Clayton has already seen the following success stories:

• One participant has lost 20 pounds.
• One patient who previously needed help breathing at night no longer suffers from the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Several patients have dropped out of the severe obesity category.
• Several patients have eliminated significant health issues such as prediabetes or high blood pressure.

“This is only in the first three months of the program,” Clayton says, “so I am sure that there will be many more amazing stories of people changing their lives as the program continues.”

How to Enroll

Childhood obesity is a complex issue, but the Healthy Weight Clinic is proving that with the right support, kids and families can make real progress. By focusing on education, encouragement, and a family-centered approach, Utah Valley Pediatrics is giving families the tools they need to build healthier lives—one small step at a time.

“The most important thing I want families to know,” Clayton says, “is that the journey to being a healthier weight can be a positive and fun process.” 

Though weight management is typically under-covered by insurance, UVP offers a solution that successfully secures full or partial reimbursement, subject to a patient’s co-pays and deductible. According to Clayton, coverage is common for children with a BMI over the 85th percentile.

To learn more or to see if your child is eligible, speak with your pediatrician or call (801) 373-8930 and set up a Healthy Weight Clinic appointment.

Though weight management is typically under-covered by insurance, UVP offers a solution that successfully secures full or partial reimbursement for most patients, subject to a patient’s co-pays and deductible. According to Clayton, coverage is common for children with a BMI over the 85th percentile.