KidShape® is a program for the entire family. It is carefully designed to assist the entire family in developing healthier eating and lifestyle habits and to avoid isolating any one member of a family, a child who is overweight is encouraged to bring parents or guardians, family members, and siblings. The program encourages family unity and mutual support in making basic lifestyle changes. Conceived by a pediatric endocrinologist, the program was developed by a team of professionals, including a Registered Dietitian, a Mental Health Professional, and a Physical Activity Instructor. The team of health professionals work together with the family to help them make lasting lifestyle changes that avoid a recurrence of the problem. KidShape® can be taught in a variety of facilities and can be presented in locations which are convenient for families.

Does KidShape® work?

The KidShape® program is effective in helping overweight children manage their weight. According to a recent study, 87% of families who participate in the KidShape® Program lose weight. Of the children who lose weight, 80% keep it off for at least 2 years following the program. Families are taught a variety of self motivation tools to monitor their success and encourage them to stay with the program.

What do I need to bring a KidShape® Program to my community?

• Location - KidShape® accommodates itself to a variety of locations including churches, hospitals, community centers, schools, and Health Departments.
• Staff - To effectively teach the program, the following staff is needed: a Registered Dietitian, a Marriage and Family Therapist, a certified Physical Activity Instructor, and a Site Coordinator. Recruitment of staff is discussed during training.
• Referrals - Building a solid referral basis from physicians, clinics, Head Start, schools, athletic clubs and community clinics is vital to the program. Marketing strategies and materials are provided during training.

KidShape® was started in 1987 by Los Angeles-based pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Naomi Neufeld. Dr. Neufeld was inundated with children whose medical problems, including Type II diabetes, asthma, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and joint problems could be directly attributed to their excessive weight. Dr. Neufeld began a program in Los Angeles using a purchased curriculum. The staff quickly realized the importance of addressing the needs of the culturally, ethnically and financially diverse communities. As a result, KidShape® developed its own curriculum, began offering its weight management program in both English and Spanish and incorporated culturally relevant materials into the curriculum.

How did KidShape® expand?

Until 1997, KidShape® had only one program operating in Los Angeles County. This site enrolled families from over a 70-mile radius which was an issue for families without adequate transportation. In addition, the demand for additional locations became increasingly apparent as news of the program's success spread and the volume of referrals from healthcare providers and families dramatically increased. In 1998, a second KidShape® site was opened in Ventura County. Between 1999 and 2000, KidShape® obtained funding from the California Network for Health Active Families, allowing the establishment of 11 sites in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. In 2001, four additional KidShape® sites were opened in Orange County.

In 2001, with a grant from Children and Families First Commission of Ventura County, KinderShape® curriculum was developed and pilot tested. KinderShape® is being offered in Orange County. Future plans include expansion of the KinderShape® program throughout Southern California and the development of a program for 13-18 year olds, TeenShape®.

How did KidShape Licensure begin?

As the problem of childhood obesity reached pandemic proportions and with very few available resources for effective treatment available, the requests from other health care providers across the United States to open KidShape® programs in other communities. Today, 11 KidShape® sites are opening throughout Western Pennsylvania and San Antonio, TX, through licensure agreements. The KinderShape® program is expanding to Northern California and throughout the County of Riverside, CA, through additional licensure agreements. The curriculum has been positively received in every location where it has been licensed, with its built-in flexibility and openness permitting adaptation to local circumstances.