Two Worlds, One Problem

Different Worlds, One Problem

In these narrated galleries, families of inner city and suburban environments describe their battles with their weight.

F.U.N is modeled on a similar program that three years ago showed measurable results. Participants in the pilot program had a slight decrease in body mass index and lost almost an inch at the waist.

Shelly Sweeney, the physiologist for both programs, said the philosophy is to expose participants to nutrition basics and exercise that's fun. Baby steps are key.

"The idea is to get the whole family involved in this change of lifestyle. It's not like 'The Biggest Loser,' where you would lose 60 pounds," she said. "It's just, pick up a few of these tips, switch to skim milk and eat more colorful foods, and let's get outside and do a little bit more exercise."

During class, Devlin works up a sweat boxing on a Nintendo Wii, while his mother talks animatedly with the nutritionist. Sweeney monitors all the kids to ensure they don't cheat on Wii. Most have figured out that the interactive Wii, once heralded as a tonic for America's sedentary youths, can be played sitting on the couch and flicking the wrist.

After class, McDonnell and her son spar over whether he can have a Diet Coke. The family has cut out soda, so he is told it's water or nothing. He groans.

Such exchanges are common. They were at McDonald's recently with one of Devlin's friends, and Devlin had to get milk while his friend got a milkshake.

"It wasn't fair," Devlin said.

His mother sighed. "It's tough. It's frustrating. He'll tell me, 'You're the mean mother.' It can make me stop and hesitate. But I'm setting limits and doing the right thing."

The other day, a small miracle occurred. Jane heard the bounce of a ball and a chorus of young voices outside. She looked out to see Devlin and some neighborhood kids playing hoops in the driveway.

"It brought back memories of how things were when I was a kid," McDonnell said, before arranged play dates, Nintendo and TV addiction.

"They hear him playing basketball, and they come out now," she said. "Small changes in the neighborhood could be happening."

Staff researcher Meg Smith contributed to the report.