Nutritional Counseling
SHAPEDOWN will focus on gradually adopting a moderate food intake that provides essential nutrients. SHAPEDOWN not only helps families target changes in nutrition and activity but focuses on common underlying factors that fuel a child's excessive appetite for food and inactive pursuits. Families interested in additional help with nutrition may schedule an individual appointment with the SHAPEDOWN dietitian.

Behavior Modification
We use behavior changes to increase the motivation to change dietary habits and increase physical activity level. The SHAPEDOWN Program uses a combination of education/support group and goal setting. The group is intended to allow teens to support one another in making lifestyle changes. Teens will also learn to cope with the emotional stress caused by being overweight. Weekly check-in with staff will allow time for individualized follow-up to help make these changes work for each family.

Weekly participation by the teen and at least one parent/guardian is required. Parents will be asked to set their own behavior change goals in addition to supporting their teen's goals.

Topics covered in group will include how to:

• Learn how food effects your body and your health
• Develop skills to tune-into your body's food preferences and hunger cues
• Develop a positive self-image
• Cope with negative self-talk and peer teasing
• Develop strategies for better eating in difficult situations
• Increase levels of physical activity
• Make lifestyle changes as a family
• Provide reinforcement for healthy lifestyle choices
• Maintain a healthy weight

Fitness Training
Increased activity level is the key to weight loss and staying a healthy weight. The SHAPEDOWN program has partnered with Angela Charsha, MS from the University of Iowa's Recreational Services to provide a safe and effective exercise program. This will result in a positive effect on health and wellness both physically and mentally.

Participants are expected to attend group exercise sessions each week. The SHAPEDOWN exercise group is intended to create an atmosphere that promotes motivation and inspiration. It will be uninhibited and non-judgmental.