GIRLS FITNUT

Obesity affects 20% of children in the U.S. This medical evidence, in conjunction with Boston Youth Sports Congress data indicating that Boston's boys have twice the athletic opportunities as girls, pointed to the real and immediate need for a comprehensive health and fitness program for inner-city girls.

The Fitness and Nutrition Program provides preadolescent overweight or obese girls with an opportunity to:

• incorporate safe exercise into their daily activity;
• explore appealing and culturally-sensitive food options while focusing on the elements of a balanced diet; and
• build self-esteem through one-on-one mentoring relationships with volunteers.

Fitnut facilitates substantial lifestyles changes through regular parental involvement. Physical evaluations indicate that 100% of participants improve in at least one fitness measure, including sit-ups, push-ups, flexibility, and heart rate.