Springwell SHAPEDOWN
for children, adolescents and their families

Developed by the School of Medicine at the University of California in San Francisco, SHAPEDOWN is a leading weight management program for children, adolescents and their families that is currently being used by BC Children’s Hospital.  The program is safe, effective and comprehensive.  Studies show that children and teens in SHAPEDOWN enhance their self-esteem, improve peer relationships, adopt healthier habits and begin to normalize their weight.  SHAPEDOWN participants achieve far more than simple weight management. Participation in this program results in enhanced family functioning on many levels. 

Springwell is an authorized provider of SHAPEDOWN in Canada. 

The Springwell Difference

Springwell nutritionists are licensed SHAPEDOWN providers with over 20 years experience working with children and families. Our consultants have completed introductory and advanced clinical training in childhood and adolescent obesity through the University of California, San Francisco.  Springwell’s SHAPEDOWN program is interdisciplinary and integrative.  Our assistants and consultants are highly trained medical and complementary health professionals. 

SHAPEDOWN is based on research that shows that weight disturbances in children and teens are multidimensional – and not just a simple matter of ‘calories in and calories out’.  Regular exercise and a ‘light’, but not depriving, food plan are prescribed; however the Y.E.S. (Youth Evaluation Scale) assessment helps to clarify which biological, psychological and/or social issues might be impacting weight, body image and health.

If you are interested in Springwell SHAPEDOWN, we start with a private session including a computerized bio-psychosocial assessment (Y.E.S.) and development of a family plan to address the issues involved.   Depending upon the assessment, you may choose either a private or group 10 week SHAPEDOWN program. Please check with Springwell for dates/times of a Springwell SHAPEDOWN group near you.  Also please feel free to contact us if you would like Springwell to organize a SHAPEDOWN program in your community. 

Just For Kids! Childhood Obesity Prevention Program
for elementary schools/day cares

Just For Kids! is a 10 week obesity prevention program for young children that is designed for the school setting. It is based on principals used in the successful SHAPEDOWN program for childhood and teen obesity. Each “Just for Kids!” participant receives a workbook that includes modeling stories about Ralph Rabbit and Bonnie Bear who are soft, fluffy and round and liver in Monarch Meadow. They have various encounters and adventures with Leonard Lamb who teaches them how to accept their genetic body build, talk about their feelings and needs, and become physically active and eat a diet that is healthy but not depriving. The workbook also includes a weekly goals scoreboard, other behaviour change record keeping forms, and charts and tables displaying various nutrition, exercise and behaviour guidelines.

Just for Kids! was developed by the University of California and is based on evidence that really works. It is facilitated by trained SHAPEDOWN providers with advanced training in prevention and treatment of childhood weight problems. For more information or to request a Just For Kids! prevention program in your community, please contact us.

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