Shapedown Pediatric Obesity Program
• Approach/Method: Family systems approach, involving
developmental skills of body, mind and spirit: nurturing
(emotive therapy), limit setting (cognitive therapy), good
health, balanced eating, mastery living (aerobic exercise
included in sessions; participants expected to exercise five
days/week by 10th week). Participants are educated about
food choices. No set calorie limit is recommended but a
minimum of 1200 calories is required.
• Clients: Children and adolescents ages six to 20
years.
• Staff: The program was developed and written by a
masters-level registered dietitian with input from health
professionals in the fields of
dietetics and nutrition, medicine, mental health, exercise,
and education. The program delivery team consists of
registered dietitians and licensed mental health
professionals (psychologist, family therapist, social
worker,
psychiatrist). All staff must complete a minimum 46 hours of
training in pediatric obesity. The program aims to train
those who are already
certified or licensed professionals. Periodic
"tune-up" training is available at annual
workshops and meetings.
• Expected Weight Loss/Length of Program: A weight
loss of one pound per week is expected; the maximum allowed
weight loss is two pounds per week. Program lasts 10 weeks.
Continuing care available.
• Cost: For weight loss, about $300 for ten week
intervention; for
maintenance, $200 for 20 weeks.
• Healthy Lifestyle Components: Positive behavior
change is emphasized. The program includes group and
individual counseling with certified professionals.
Participants are expected to work up to exercising five
days/week by week 10 of the program.
• Comments: There is a 20-week maintenance program
with one-year "tune-up" sessions available.
• Availability: Unknown number of clients served each
week in 600 sites nationally (50 states). Call 888-724-5245
for a referral to the nearest Shapedown Provider.
• Headquarters: Balboa Publishing, 11 Library Place,
San Anselmo, CA 94960. 415-453-8886. Web site:
Shapedown@aol.com
Information supplied by Shapedown.
