The SHAPEDOWN® Program

SHAPEDOWN® is a comprehensive lifestyle changes program designed specifically for kids. It guides children, adolescents, teens and their families in making changes in diet, exercise, lifestyle, attitudes, thoughts and interactions. The ultimate goal is to promote long-term, healthy weight management.

How does SHAPEDOWN work?
SHAPEDOWN builds on the strength of the family. It gently and effectively supports families in creating an active lifestyle and a healthy diet. It is administered by health professionals who are certified SHAPEDOWN providers. This 12-week program involves:

• A complete assessment to determine the needs of the child/adolescent and other family members
• Workbooks for parents and kids
• Individual weekly meetings with your SHAPEDOWN provider for the first eight weeks and then bi-weekly meetings for the remaining four weeks

Research Confirms Effectiveness
In a 15-month controlled study, 64 adolescent boys and girls were randomly divided into either a SHAPEDOWN group or a control group. Participation in the SHAPEDOWN program was associated with significant improvement over the control group in relative weight, knowledge of weight management principles, depression, and diet/exercise behavior at the end of treatment and at one year follow-up.  (Journal of the American Dietetic Assoc., Vol. 87, No. 3)