BOSTON -- A government survey published last week showed the problem is leveling off -- even though 1 in 5 children is expected to be obese as adults. A new center to help families is open in Newton.

As News Center 5's Ed Harding reported Tuesday, it's backed by the experts at Children's Hospital Boston.

“I'm 9 and ¾ years old,” said Emily Braunstein. “I come to Great Moves every Monday. I thought it would be nice to eat healthier and eat better.”

Braunstein and her parents is one of the first families to sign up for Great Moves, of Newton. It’s a weight management clinic for overweight children, that is centered on the whole family.

“Kids can not succeed without the support of the parents. They can’t just drop off the child and have them deal with the weight issue. Parents have to be involved,” said Suzanne Rostler, the clinical director of nutrition for Great Moves.

Rostler is also the lead dietician for the OWL clinic at Children's Hospital Boston. She is excited to teach this unique program to more families outside a hospital setting, where any child considered overweight by government standards can sign up.

“There’s really nothing like this program out there,” she said.

Through cooking classes and fun, high-energy exercises, the six-month program teaches the children and their parents a healthy way of living.

“In children, what's important is not necessarily that they're losing weight, but they may be stabilizing their weight,” said Erinn Rhodes, the chief medical officer for Great Moves.

In the six weeks since Braunstein joined, her family has wiped the cupboards clean of junk food. She's feeling the changes.

“They've been eating better at work,” she said. “My jeans fit better.”

“Emily is making better food choices. She is more active, and I have seen her confidence soar,” said Rostler.

“I want to eat healthier, and wear a tankini,” said Braunstein.