Children's Exercise and Nutrition Centre

Contact Information

Phone: (905) 521-2100, ext. 77967

What Is The Children's Exercise and Nutrition Centre

The Children's Exercise and Nutrition Centre (CENC) provides a multidisciplinary clinical, research, and educational service for children and adolescents. Our clinical program involves consultation, education, and prescription of physical activity, nutrition, and lifestyle alterations to modify health-related behaviours of our patients, their families, and caregivers.

Our staff includes a Physician, Program Manager, Exercise Physiologist, Registered Dietitian, Child & Family Therapist, Kinesiologist(ActivityTherapist), Clinic Intake and Scheduling Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. Together we coordinate an integrated and well-rounded program centering on the role that exercise and nutrition can play in a child's health and well-being.  Our team implements an individualized program based on the needs of each patient and their family. Measurements of height, weight, body composition, and fitness are routinely performed and evaluated.

We treat children with diagnoses of obesity (ages four to 18th birthday), cystic fibrosis, diabetes, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, Prader Willi, chronic fatigue, etc. In general, children with any exercise and nutrition-related disorder, disease or complaint may be referred to us. Referrals are accepted from family physicians, pediatricians, other health-care professionals and concerned families. In some cases, where overwhelming issues (psychological, familial, etc.) may limit or interfere with program participation we may recommend a treatment deferral. 

Extra-curricular activities offered to our clients include a  strength and conditioning program, "Fit-Flash" newsletters and several special events.

In addition to our clinical focus we have both research and educational components. We conduct and facilitate basic and applied research on the effects of physical activity, training, nutrition and fitness on the present and future physical and mental health, well-being, social interaction and physical performance of children and adolescents. The Children's Exercise and Nutrition Centre is considered a world leader in this area.  We also provide education on the relevance of physical activity, nutrition and lifestyle to the current and future health, well-being and function of children and adolescents. This is accomplished through clinical rotations (clerks and residents), post-graduate fellowships, lectures, seminars and publications. In addition, we hold a biannual Juvenile Obesity Workshop for health professionals. For further information on the workshop, contact Louise Chalupka (905) 521-2100  ext. 72780.

Our clinic operates daily, Monday to Friday.

The treatment phase of our weight management program consists of approximately 12 monthly visits.  The follow-up phase involves five visits over the second year.   To make a referral please contact Janice Chatland, Clinic Scheduling Coordinator at (905) 521-7967 or fax the pertinent information to (905) 385-5033.  Program inquiries may be directed to Janice Chatland, Clinic Scheduling Coordinator at (905) 521-7967 or Randy Calvert, Program Manager at (905) 521-2100, ext. 74183.

Research at CENC