Developed by the Carnegie Mellon University School of Design and UPMC Saint Margaret Family Health Centers, the FitWits MD program is used during well-child doctors appointments (annual check-ups and scheduled visits) to open family dialogue around healthy eating and obesity.

During these visits, doctors use flash-cards featuring cartoon characters, games, recipes, healthy-weight charts and information about good and bad foods to teach kids and their parents about nutrition and exercise. 

Carnegie Mellon School of Design implemented an extensive research process to create the language and the characters that children and families can relate to. This makes it easier for doctors to address this complicated issue.  These food-inspired characters and the portion hand guide were invented by kids in Pittsburgh, PA with help from designers, doctors, researchers, members of the community, and foundations.

FitWits MD is currently being used with children ages 9-12 in three health clinics in the Pittsburgh area. It is one component of a comprehensive FitWits educational program that includes a school curriculum and activities for family and communities- for example, an educational scavenger hunt at grocery stores and a series of online games.

For more information visit http://www.fitwits.org/.