Vivir Bien – Helping families build healthier futures

💛 Childhood obesity is rising rapidly in Latin America, putting millions of children at risk of lifelong health problems before adulthood even begins.

Childhood obesity has become a critical public health challenge in Guatemala and across Latin America. Approximately 30% of children and adolescents aged 5–19 live with excess weight, with prevalence reaching around 40% among primary school–aged children (7–12 years). This trend is driven by rapid urbanization, widespread availability of ultra-processed foods, and limited opportunities for physical activity in many urban environments. 

Children growing up with obesity face increased risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions later in life. The effects are not only physical: excess weight can also affect mental health, self-esteem, and long-term wellbeing. Without effective intervention, about 80% of children with obesity remain obese in adulthood, perpetuating cycles of illness and economic burden. 

Despite the scale of the problem, access to effective behavioral treatment remains limited. Many health systems lack the time, specialists, and infrastructure needed to deliver intensive family-based support. Vivir Bien addresses this gap by adapting evidence-based behavioral treatment into a scalable hybrid model that combines digital tools with human coaching.

👥 Who Will Benefit

Primary beneficiaries

• Children aged 7–12 years living with overweight or obesity
• Families and caregivers responsible for children’s daily habits
• Households seeking practical support to improve nutrition, activity, and lifestyle routines

Secondary beneficiaries

• Siblings and other household members who adopt healthier habits
• Families experiencing improved wellbeing and reduced health risks
• Health systems that benefit from lower long-term chronic disease burden
• Communities where healthier lifestyles can spread through social networks

In Guatemala

Childhood obesity is increasing rapidly in urban areas such as Guatemala City, Mixco, and Villa Nueva, where children often consume high levels of ultra-processed foods and spend more time in sedentary activities. Structural barriers—including limited nutrition education, unsafe environments for outdoor activity, and insufficient behavioral treatment programs—leave many families without effective support.

Vivir Bien aims to close this gap by providing accessible, family-centered behavioral support that can reach families through mobile technology.

📊 Metrics Donors Can Understand

Evidence-backed outcomes:

Participants showed:

• Improved family routines related to nutrition and physical activity
• Reduction in consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods
• Increased physical activity and reduced screen time among children
• Clinically meaningful improvements in weight outcomes in family-based behavioral treatment programs
• Positive spillover effects where siblings in the household also improve their health behaviors

Research on Family-Based Behavioral Treatment has demonstrated significantly better weight outcomes compared with usual care over 24 months when implemented with families. 🌍 Why This Matters

Childhood obesity is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Latin America, yet proven behavioral interventions remain out of reach for many families. By combining evidence-based family treatment with scalable digital tools, Vivir Bien has the potential to expand access to effective support while maintaining the human guidance needed for lasting behavior change.

Supporting this work means helping families build healthier routines early in life—preventing chronic disease, strengthening wellbeing, and improving long-term health outcomes for the next generation.