Document Type
Report
Publication Date
Fall 8-24-2025
Abstract
The Smart Moves™ Family Healthy Weight Program is an evidence-based, family-centered intervention designed to address childhood overweight and obesity through nutrition education, physical activity, social-emotional learning, and caregiver engagement. In spring 2025, Presbyterian Community Health piloted Smart Moves™ in a South Valley community health clinic as part of the Healthy Here initiative, with evaluation conducted by the University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center.
The pilot, adapted from a 12-lesson curriculum to 8 core lessons plus orientation and celebration, included bilingual instruction, cooking in a teaching kitchen, and family-based incentives. Evaluation methods combined quantitative and qualitative data, including pre/post BMI percentile, body composition, Veggie Meter skin carotenoids, lifestyle questionnaires, and focus groups with parents, implementers, administrators, and referral staff. Of 32 children referred, 11 enrolled and 7 participated (6 Hispanic, 1 Native American). While no statistically significant changes were observed in BMI percentile, body composition, or Veggie Meter scores, small improvements were noted in lifestyle behaviors and fruit/vegetable intake.
Qualitative findings highlighted high satisfaction, positive household-level changes, and improved child behaviors, including greater food literacy, willingness to try new foods, reduced sugary drink consumption, and increased physical activity. Strengths included the welcoming, non-judgmental environment, hands-on cooking lessons, bilingual accessibility, and strong provider referrals. Challenges included low attendance, virtual delivery of physical activity sessions, curriculum structure gaps, and barriers such as transportation and fear of stigma.
Overall, the Smart Moves™ pilot was feasible and well-received, with early evidence of positive family-level behavior changes. Recommendations include stronger recruitment strategies, more structured curricula, additional supports for caregivers, and expanding culturally relevant content. Findings suggest Smart Moves™ is a promising, community-based approach to advancing family health and wellness in New Mexico.
Recommended Citation
Velarde, Camille; Theresa H. Cruz Dr.; and Elena Martinez. "Family Healthy Weight Program: Smart MovesTM Pilot Project Evaluation Report." (2025). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/prc-reports-documents/73
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons