Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is KidShape?
2. Who can participate in Kidshape?
3. What is the definition of childhood overweight or childhood obesity?
4. How do I find out my child's BMI?
5. Is KidShape a diet?
6. How is the KidShape program delivered?
7. How does KidShape teach healthy lifestyle modification?
8. How old do you have to be to join KidShape?
9. How is the family involved?
10. If KidShape is a family-based program, does that mean that brothers and sisters are expected to attend?
11. How many children are in a typical KidShape class?
12. What is the length of the KidShape program?
13. My family prefers to speak Spanish. Can you help us?
14. How long has KidShape been in business?
15. How many students have been through the program?
16. Are there any health problems associated with being overweight or at risk?
17. What causes children to be overweight?
18. How can I be certain that my child will lose weight at KidShape?
19. Where can I learn more about KidShape?

1. What is KidShape?

KidShape is an interactive weight management program that focuses on adopting healthy lifestyles. KidShape is unique, fun, innovative, and inspirational.

2. Who can participate in KidShape?

Families with children ages 6 to 14 who are at risk for being overweight or who are already overweight.

3. What is the definition of childhood overweight or childhood obesity?

A child is considered overweight if their body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 85th percentile of height to weight. [BMI is a common measure expressing the relationship (or ratio) of weight-to-height. It is a mathematical formula in which a person's body weight in kilograms is divided by the square of his or her height in meters (i.e., wt/(ht)2. The BMI is more highly correlated with body fat than any other indicator of height and weight.] Cutoff criteria are based on the 2000 CDC (Centers for Disease Control) BMI-for-age-growth charts for the United States. Based on current recommendations of expert committees, children with BMI values at or above the 95th percentile of the sex-specific BMI growth charts are categorized as obese.

4. How do I find out my child’s BMI?

There are a number of websites that can help you calculate your child’s BMI. One that is easy to use is at http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/bmi_charts.html. Fill out the forms and you will be told your child’s BMI, the percentile (e.g. 60th percentile means that 60% of a test group of the children who were your child’s sex, age, and height weighed less than your child and 40% weighed more), whether your child’s weight is healthy, and what a healthy weight is for your child. If your child is in the 85th percentile or higher, he or she is overweight and you should be concerned. If your child is in the 95th percentile or higher, he or she is obese and you should see a doctor. Ask your pediatrician how much weight your child should lose and how fast.

5. Is KidShape a diet?

No. It is a program that consists of interactive nutrition activities, behavior counseling, and exercise.

6. How is the KidShape program delivered?

KidShape is taught by a team of licensed professionals that includes a registered dietitian, family counselor and exercise specialist.

7. How does KidShape teach healthy lifestyle modification?

We help families to identify their triggers to unhealthy eating and sedentary behavior. Then, we work with them to develop strategies to make healthy choices.

8. How old do you have to be to join KidShape?

KidShape focuses on children between the ages of 6 to 14. Children under age 6 can be enrolled in KinderShape. Those over 14 can be enrolled in TeenShape.

9. How is the family involved?

An enrolled child must be accompanied by either a parent or guardian during each class. KidShape is a family-based solution to what is generally a family-based problem.

10. If KidShape is a family-based program, does that mean that brothers and sisters are expected to attend?

Siblings of enrolled students are not required to attend, but they are welcome.

11. How many children are in a typical KidShape class?

Each class is designed to help 10 to 15 students and their families.

12. What is the length of the KidShape program?

Classes meet for two hours 15 minutes, once a week for nine weeks.

13. My family prefers to speak in Spanish. Can you help us?

KidShape offers classes in English and Spanish. Our curriculum also recognizes that people of different ethnic backgrounds have different dietary practices.

14. How long has KidShape been in business?

We started our first classes in 1987 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

15. How many students have been through the program?

We have helped more than 12,000 families in the 22 years that KidShape has been in business.

16. Are there any health problems associated with being overweight or at risk?

Overweight and obesity trigger a host of health problems including asthma, depression, heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, orthopedic problems, sleep disturbances, menstrual abnormalities and urinary incontinence. Scientists are finding that the lifespan of those at risk is shortened 2-5 years; and between 5-20 for those who are obese. Experts say this is the first generation that may not live as long as their parents!

17. What causes children to be overweight?

Obesity and overweight are chronic conditions. Overall there are a variety of factors that play a role in obesity. Overweight and obesity result from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity. Body weight is the result of genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status. Behavior and environment, which play a large role causing people to be overweight and obese, are the greatest areas for prevention and treatment actions.

18. How can I be certain that my child will lose weight at KidShape?

KidShape gives you the tools, but losing weight is up to you and your child. Scientifically accepted research on KidShape shows that 87% of children who graduate lose weight and 80% keep it off for at least two years. It also shows that many other health indicators like blood pressure, insulin and triglyceride levels improve. We also see marked improvement in the self-esteem and happiness of our graduates. But to lose weight and decrease your child's BMI, your child has to practice daily the skills and techniques taught at KidShape. They have to eat healthy, move more, and -- as a result -- will feel good about themselves.

19. Where can I learn more about KidShape?

Explore this website or you can call us at 1-888-600-6444.