KidShape: A Practical Prescription for Raising Healthy, Fit Children
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Helping kids shape up
Obesity among children and teens is a leading national health concern. Recent studies show that as many as one-fourth of young Americans are obese or have an unhealthy percentage of body fat, conditions that can lead to life-threatening disorders such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease. For parents who feel powerless to help their overweight offspring, several new books offer advice and support. One of the best is KidShape: A Practical Prescription for Raising Healthy, Fit Children. Author Naomi Neufeld, M.D., is a pediatric endocrinologist who started a family-based weight management plan for children in 1987 after observing the growing number of overweight children referred to her office. The highly successful KidShape program has helped more than 10,000 kids lose weight with a no-nonsense approach to healthy eating that brings the whole family on board. Neufeld's book presents the KidShape program in an easy-to-follow format for families who can't participate in person. She starts by tackling myths about food (myth #4: by instinct, children know when to stop eating) and outlines the many health problems associated with obesity. From there, Neufeld gets into the nitty-gritty of the plan itself, which is carved into seven workshop sessions. Families are given a clear agenda for each workshop—on subjects such as reading food labels, eating out and staying active—with activities, goals and homework assignments spelled out. The book also includes a wealth of interesting charts and tidbits of helpful information, from low-fat menu selections at ethnic restaurants to ideas for exercising with your dog. For families with overweight children, reading KidShape is a healthy step in the right direction.
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