Junk food was Princess Moyo's friend 10 weeks ago.
Today, she has never felt better after ditching the "unfriendly" foods for healthier options.
The Oakhurst youngster is a success story from the recent Go4Fun intake at Emerton, a 10-week program for kids aged seven to 13 who are above the healthy weight range.
Children attend weekly sessions with health professionals to enjoy fun and interactive games, learn about nutrition and excursions to the supermarket.
Go4Fun returns to Emerton this week and will include pool sessions.
It is also being offered at Granville Pool, Parramatta Pool and Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills.
"With obesity rates in Australia climbing faster than anywhere else in the world, it's time to get our kids active and improve their physical and mental well-being early on"
- — Michelle Nolan
Princess' mum, Anna Moyo, urged parents concerned about their child's weight to enrol in the free program.
"I was worried about her health because she liked eating junk food and didn't like exercise," she said.
"It has made a big difference. Before, she never used to have Weet-Bix for breakfast and wanted chocolate Pop Tarts instead. She now knows they're an 'unfriendly' food."
"Before, she never used to have Weet-Bix for breakfast and wanted chocolate Pop Tarts instead. She now knows they're an 'unfriendly' food"
- — Anna Moyo
Princess' wardrobe has also benefited.
"She has clothes that wouldn't fit her before," Ms Moyo said.
"She's more energetic and is always asking whether she can ride her bike or go for a walk. She would do the program again if she could."
More than 800 western Sydney families have participated in Go4Fun since July 2011.
"With obesity rates in Australia climbing faster than anywhere else in the world, it's time to get our kids active and improve their physical and mental well-being early on," Western Sydney Local Health District acting health promotion manager Michelle Nolan said.
"Being overweight has serious health consequences such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, so it's really important for children to develop healthy habits."
GO4FUN aims to improve participants’ weight, waist measurement, activity levels, nutrition habits and self-esteem.
Participants learn about fitness, movement skills, team building, food serving sizes, label reading, menu planning, goal setting and problem solving.
The water program focuses on pool activities rather than swimming ability.
The weekly sessions go for two hours.
Term four of the 10-week program starts this week at Emerton Leisure Centre, Granville Pool, Parramatta Pool and Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre, Baulkham Hills.
Details: 1800 780 900 or visit http://go4fun.com.au.
