A Promising Approach to the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity

Dr. Riba’s Health Club (DrRHC) focuses on the prevention and treatment of nutrition-related problems in children ages 0 to 18 and their families. Approaching diagnosis, treatment, and prevention with a multidisciplinary team, DrRHC provides direct patient care and individual treatment programs. DrRHC reaches over 2,800 underserved families annually, targeting low-income areas in Orange County, where obesity and diabetes are serious concerns.

Key Elements of Dr. Riba’s Health Club

  • Health Club: Individualized patient care plans delivered by a multidisciplinary team.
  • Community Education Classes: DrRHC provides nutrition education to parents, children, and caregivers in a variety of formats tailored to unique venues including "Nutrition Classes for Parents", "Nutrition with Mommy Classes", and preschool class demonstrations.
  • PC-Fit (Parent-Child Feeding Interaction Therapy) Program: A collaboration between DrRHC and the Child Guidance Center, PC-Fit aims to prevent and treat eating disorders.
  • Fit Club™ Program: Fit Club™ targets children ages 4-18 who are at risk for childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, and is offered year-round in after-school and summer sessions at no cost to families.
  • Pretend City: DrRHC has partnered with OC’s newest children's museum, Pretend City, to design a health and nutrition exhibit.
  • Medical Provider Education and Training: DrRHC offers provider education and training programs conducted by a Pediatrician or Registered Dietitian on the psychology of and appropriate nutrition for feeding children.

DrRHC Financial and Programmatic Partners

CalOptima, Child Guidance Center, Children & Families Commission of OC, Coalition of OC Community Clinics, FRC Costa Mesa, Golden State Foods Foundation, Healthy Smiles, Hoag Hospital, HOPE Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Mission Hospital, MOMS, Nestle Waters, Newport-Mesa USD, Oak View Preschool, Orange County Community Foundation, OC Health Care Agency, OC Rescue Mission, OneOC, Pretend City, Reach Out and Read, Santa Ana USD, St. Joseph Health System Foundation, Tanaka Farms, Toys for Tots, Wells Fargo Foundation, YMCA of Orange County
Photo credit: OliverAlex