Anchorage YMCA opens child healthy weight program Sept. 8 with reduced-cost memberships

Anchorage YMCA families enrolling a child in Healthy Weight and Your Child get a reduced-cost membership that continues after the program ends. The two-year-old program's next session runs Sept. 8, 2026, through Feb. 2, 2027, at 5353 Lake Otis Parkway.

The program is free to YMCA members. It is open to children ages 7 to 13 with a body mass index in the 95th percentile or higher who have medical clearance for physical activity.

A parent or caregiver must attend all 25 sessions, held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and some Thursdays. Each session opens with an hour on portion sizes, food labels and family health goals. Activities follow, which may include weightlifting and swimming, while caregivers meet separately. A closing half hour lets children teach what they learned. A light meal is served, and families who are traveling or sick can join online.

"Our families have walked away with greater knowledge on healthier foods, new and different activities to try, and an overall healthier attitude," said Erin Widener, YMCA community health director.

Andrea Arts, associate health and wellness director, takes enrollments at 907-563-3211, ext. 111, or [email protected]. Statewide, the free Healthy Futures Challenge for elementary students begins Sept. 1, 2026.