Empower Your Child’s Health: Discover the Bright Bodies Program for Healthy Living

For 27 years, Bright Bodies at Yale has been helping kids in New Haven tackle childhood obesity. Their focus is on encouraging a healthy lifestyle without relying on traditional dieting.

The Bright Bodies Program offers sessions that last 10 to 12 weeks, bringing together children and their families. Instead of pushing strict diets, the program uses the Smart Moves Weight Management Curriculum. This approach helps kids learn lasting, healthy habits through practical knowledge and behavior changes.

“We want to teach kids how to make permanent, healthy lifestyle changes,” says Mary Savoye-DeSanti, the program’s founder. She emphasizes that every family has different resources, and the goal is to work with what each family has rather than impose a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Smart Moves curriculum includes four key elements: nutrition education, behavior change, physical activity, and parental support. Kids meet twice a week for exercise and class activities, and parents are invited to join them. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment, making it easier for families to navigate challenges together.

The program’s non-diet strategy focuses on building skills that help children make healthier choices in various situations. Nutrition lessons adapt to the resources available to each family, emphasizing that progress is more important than perfection.

Mark Ceneri, a parent in the program, appreciates the community aspect. “It’s hard enough raising kids,” he says. “Having the chance to connect with other parents and share ideas is really valuable.”

During a recent session, kids enjoyed classic games like tag, keeping active while also learning to read nutrition labels. They were eager and engaged, with raised hands ready to answer questions. It was clear they enjoyed both the exercise and the learning.

Parents have seen positive changes in their children’s attitudes toward food. Willian Whitehead shared that his 11-year-old grandchild has become more mindful of what they eat. “He loves this program and even reminds me to get there on time. He really enjoys it,” he said.

Sessions are held at the medical center on 1 Long Wharf Drive, fostering a community that promotes health and wellness for all involved.