Throughout the month of September 2016, Medical Weight Loss Clinic will be giving away 930 of the special Pro-Teen plans to Michigan’s young people looking for help in maintaining a healthy weight.

As part of our effort to bring awareness to the problem locally during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we will give-away 30 plans each (selected in recognition of the company’s 30th anniversary milestone this year) at all of our 31 Michigan clinics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity in the U.S. has tripled in the past decade. Currently, one in three U.S. children can be classified as obese or overweight, and in Michigan, 12 percent of middle school children and 15 percent of high school students are considered obese.

“At MWLC, we recognize acutely the challenges people face at every age with healthy weight management,” said David Paull, MWLC president. “As a Michigan-based company, we want to take a stand in the fight against the obesity epidemic among our youth here at home. We’re hoping by making available our expertise, resources and support to nearly 1,000 families free of charge, we can help make a big difference for some of our young people.”

To receive a free Pro-Teen program, applicants (who must have proof of approval for participation from a legal guardian) must be aged 10-17 and meet enrollment eligibility based on current program protocols. The Pro-Teen program is designed not only for weight loss, but also to educate young people on more sensible food choices and portion control, to help ensure a lifetime of healthy habits.

Each of our clinic’s 30 free Pro-Teen programs – which include all medical set-up, lab work, 10-weeks of weight loss services and all nutritional supplements, and are valued more than $500 each – will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis from Sept. 1 to 30, 2016, using an online entry system at www.mwlcgiveaway.com. Applicants must complete a short entry form and describe in 100 words or less why they are interested in MWLC’s Pro-Teen weight-loss services.

In further effort to draw attention to this important national issue on a local level, we have submitted letters of request to the political leadership of cities housing each of its clinics, as well a state leadership, to have the week of Sept. 19, 2016 officially declared Childhood Obesity Awareness Week in Michigan.