Mission Children's Hospital has many tools in place to help the young people in our community experience healthy, active living and learning about weight loss while having fun.

A Message to Young People: These programs have worked for many other teens and youth around Asheville and the surrounding region.  Some important points to remember: You are in a program with your own age group that can help support you during these programs. Parents are included some of the time it is important they understand what it's like and how they can help you. You'll be with others who know where you are and what you are up against. The ENERGIZE! programs are about more than learning and being active - they create a community of friends who understand that it's hard to make changes - and how good it feels to look and feel better. You'll get support from people your age - and so will your parents. Your weight loss will be gradual. You already know that people who lose weight fast put it right back on. This program lets you lose weight in an easier, healthy way that will last. It won't be easy - but it will be fun! Those who have been part of the program say they haven't felt so good or been so happy for a long time.  We hope you will say the same!

Personal consultations - Mission offers individual sessions of consultation to focus on specific weight management issues.

• Social Workers talk with families who have complex or difficult issues affecting their ability to live in a healthy way.
• Registered  Dietitians teach young people and their families how to eat for a healthy weight.
• Physicians work with your regular doctor to assure follow-up for needed medical conditions.

ENERGIZE! - Designed for young people and their families who are ready to bring more physical activity into their lives and to eat in a way that will help them develop into a healthier person and weight. 

ENERGIZE! is a program for young people and especially good for those who have more weight to lose or have medical issues such as diabetes. It emphasizes both fun and education, and gives participants a group of peers who provide each other with support and friendship.

Who: Young people who are more overweight than most others their age (a BMI higher than 95% of their peers or a BMI higher than 85% of their peers and signs of, or risk for, medical conditions related to their weight). 

When: Families begin with their personal consultation, then meet with the other families twice a week for 12 weeks.  Each session includes an hour with an exercise specialist  then 30 minutes for talk and education. Young people also meet with their own groups two more times a week for exercise with a specialist.

Where: Classes are offered at an Asheville area YMCA or YWCA

Cost: $250 for the entire program. Costs may be reduced with our sliding scale pay plan based on income and family size.

BONUS: Participating families receive a free 12-week membership to the YMCA or the YWCA where their classes are held.

Contact:  Your primary care provider will need to make a referral. Then schedule an appointment by calling 828-213-1740.  Parents will also need to fill out a medical history form.

Our Interdisciplinary Staff

Susan Mims, MD, MPH, Medical Director of Mission Children's Hospital & Board certified pediatrician and internist

Evelyn Artz, MD Board certified pediatric endocrinologist

Lesley Edwards, RD Program Manager

Melissa Lillie, LCSW Social Worker

If you believe your child could benefit from our services contact us:

Energize! -  Your primary care provider will need to make a referral.

For further information, please contact the Mission Children's Hospital Reuter Outpatient Center at: