Weight Management Program for Children and Adolescents
Age Range: 6 to 18
Shapedown is a family-based program designed to build healthy eating and activity habits in children and adolescents. According to a study utilizing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity is the fastest growing health crisis in the nation with one out of every three American children considered overweight. Developed in 1977 at the University of California, San Francisco, Shapedown is not a diet program. Rather, the program works with families to make changes in nutrition, exercise, attitudes, thought and interactions, all of which contribute to a healthier lifestyle. By involving entire families, Shapedown strengthens family dynamics and works to identify weight-related triggers. Involving the whole family also encourages lifestyle changes that would be difficult for a child or adolescent to make without family support.
During the 10-week program, participants learn how to strengthen not only their bodies but their self-esteem as well. This is especially important as research has shown that obese and overweight children are at increased risk for emotional problems including depression, suicide, eating disorders, and poor school performance. Through role play and other activities, participants learn to improve communication skills and family interaction. Activities are grouped into age appropriate levels and available for children ages 6 to 18.
