DEDHAM, Mass. -- School lunches are healthier nowadays, but a decline in gym classes has some concerned that not enough is being done to curb childhood obesity.

NewsCenter 5's Rhonda Mann reported that Dedham schools are taking a direct and rather radical approach. The school nurse is alerting parents that their child is overweight and recommending that they enroll in an after-school gym program.

Colleen Downing participates in activities at a private health club after school. The program is offered three days per week.

"I wanted to get fit," she said. "When I come here, I'm usually ready to do stuff."

Stuff like lifting weights or working on a treadmill. The program, called Fitness FUNdamentals, is the idea of Dedham school nurse Gail Kelley, who didn't think one gym class per week would put a dent in a growing childhood obesity problem.

"When we took a look around at what's offered in the community, most of the fitness opportunities that are available are competitive in nature. And not every child feels comfortable on the soccer field," Kelley said.

Kelley took a body mass index reading on every child in the Dedham schools. Those who were overweight -- a little more than 20 percent -- were sent a letter home urging them to enroll in the program at the Dedham Health Complex.

The program provides more than a shot for children at exercise -- it provides nutrition education including required classes for their parents.

"(Parents) come in seven times and speak to our registered dietitian and they get information that's pertinent to what they should be giving their kids, what they shouldn't be giving their kids and how they can benefit by what's being put on the table," said Lars Lambros, of the Dedham Health and Athletic Complex.

The program costs $100 for 16 weeks -- a small fee Kelley said helps ensure the children will show up. Parents are grateful something is being done to help get their children on track.

"Just to keep her active instead of going home and hanging out on the couch and being a couch potato," parent Karen McPherson said. "And I think it's good to teach them it can be fun."

About 20 percent of the Dedham students who did receive letters ended up enrolling in the program. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are actually following the progress of the children by measuring any changes in the students' fitness and self-esteem.