A family-based weight management program for children and teens

Healthy Living Center
Jamerson Family YMCA
(434) 237-8163

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 but not depriving diet.  Parents tune up their nurturing skills to curb their child’s emotional overeating and sharpen their limit setting skills to prompt their child toward a healthier lifestyle.  The child accepts more responsibility for diet and activity and feels happier and safer.  Food becomes less important, activity more exciting and the child’s weight begins to normalize.

What Will Shapedown Do For Me?

• For children and teens – Shapedown will help you take care of your health and happiness.  You will learn to create an active, full life so that food and television are less important.  You will talk about your feelings and needs so that you will feel safer and happier.  You will learn strategies so kids stop teasing and so you feel better about your body.  Shapedown brings out the best in you!
• For parents – Shapedown will help you feel better about your parenting and about your child.  You will let go of guilt, fear and frustration about your child’s weight as you put into practice positive changes in your family’s lifestyle and communication.  In many cases, changes from Shapedown are profound.  Parents are amazed at their child’s new happiness and vitality and at the richness of their family life.

Is Shapedown Effective?

Yes.  Controlled studies have shown that when families participate in Shapedown, there is significant improvement in weight, self-esteem, depression, diet and exercise habits and weight management knowledge.  However, progress varies depending on the family’s and child’s willingness to change.

How Long Is The Program?

Shapedown may be in a group format or on an individual counseling basis.  Group programs include an intensive, 10-week schedule with meetings of about two hours weekly to give families basic Shapedown training.  They can continue care through Advanced Shapedown, a nurturing support program that deepens and extends their progress.  Advanced Shapedown meets weekly or biweekly for 20 weeks or more.

Is there a Diet? 

No!  We implement simple lifestyle changes in accordance with the newest Food Guide Pyramid.

What About Exercise?

Shapedown stresses overall fitness, including endurance, flexibility and strength.  Children and parents develop a more active lifestyle and replace television viewing and other inactive pursuits with chores, sports and projects.

What if Parents Don’t Participate?

If you as a parent do not want to eat right or exercise, then Shapedown is not right for your child.  The Shapedown philosophy is that parents should not ask of their child anything they are not willing to do themselves.  However, the Shapedown lifestyle changes are gentle and flexible and fit into the priorities and capabilities of most parents.

Who Teaches Shapedown?

Our licensed and certified Shapedown providers Mary Bice, R.N., and Susan Clapp, R.N., have completed 46 hours of clinical education in child and adolescent obesity from the University of California, School of Medicine.

Contact your certified Shapedown providers for more information on upcoming classes at:

Healthy Living Center
Jamerson Family YMCA
(434) 237-8163