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KidShape - A Practical Prescription for Helping your Child...

Program Overview

KidShape is a nine-week fun-filled program that helps overweight children and their families become more healthy.


KidShape has a scientifically proven track record of helping kids to lose weight and to keep it off. In the last 20 years we have helped more than 12,000 children and teens. 87% of them have lost weight and 80% of those who lost weight kept if off for at least two years. Most KidShape graduates have
  • increased self-esteem
  • healthier  eating habits
  • a more physically active lifestyle
  • improved ability to deal with with teasing
  • weight stabilization or decreased rate of weight gain
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) improvement
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Increased stamina
  • Increased family unity

Why does KidShape work so well?


  • KidShape is fully committed to the entire family, not just the overweight child.
  • Kidshape advocates a strategy of self defense in a health-hostile world, recognizing that families must cope with real world pressures.
  • Kidshape was developed by and continues to be led by Naomi Neufeld, M.D., one of the nation’s pioneers in treating diabetes and childhood obesity.
  • Kidshape believes learning should be fun.
    • Interactive games
    • Cooking demonstrations
    • Minimal “sit-down”discussion
    • Rewards and prizes that keep families motivated and returning to classes
    • Skill building,non-competitive physical activity
  • Kidshape uses effective behavior modification tools
    • Contracting
    • Self-monitoring
    • Role modeling
    • Positive reinforcement
  • Kidshape employs only degree certified instructors in nutrition and mental health and expert physical education trainers.
  • KidShape’s curriculum is deliberately engineered to adapt the latest scientific advancement and societal changes in America.
  • Kidshape is dedicated to delivering culturally competent, multilingual classes that reflect and celebrate the diversity of American families.

What happens during the nine weeks of KidShape classes?


KidShape is a family affair! At least one parent or guardian is required to attend each class with the child. You and your child will meet once a week with about 14 other children and their parents or guardians. Each class is filled with kids and adults who are concerned about their health just as you are. These nine weeks of classes will teach you the things you need to know to be healthy and will help you start good habits. Eat healthy. Be more active. Believe in yourself. And if you eat healthy, are more active, and believe in yourself, you will become more healthy.


Each class lasts two hours and fifteen minutes and is divided into three major parts.
Part 1 A Registered Dietitian teaches adults and kids together about the healthy way to eat to be healthier and lose weight.
Part 2 Adults and children meet separately to discuss with a mental health professional how to change old habits. The support you will receive from other parents and that your child will receive from other kids is as important as what we tell you.
Part 3 The adults have an opportunity to discuss more specific questions, while the kids participate in 30 minutes of continuous, fun aerobic exercise. During two of the weeks the adults exercise with the students.

At home, each family . . .
  • Exercises. Each child spends an hour a day in physical activity. At least three times a week the adult and child spend 30 minutes in physical activity together.
  • Eats healthy. KidShape instructors show each child how to set his or her own goals on what changes to make in eating habits.
  • Keeps a food journal. The first step to changing how one eats is to realize what you are eating now. KidShape instructors give individual feedback on eating habits.