trained health professionals at hospitals, schools, and
community centers across the country.Description
Trim Kidsbegins with an overview of the program
in regard to expectations of participants, educational
components, and fundamental behavior modifica-
tions for lifelong healthy living.
The program identifies what it means to be over-
weight and environmental factors more likely to cause
obesityin children. A child’s level of obesity is broken
down into three categories: at-risk, moderate, or
severe. A child’s pediatrician should be consulted to
determine the appropriate level.
The three components used to help children
achieve their weight loss goals are nutrition education,
increased physical activity, and behavior modifica-
tion. These components must be used and embraced
together for long-term success.
In addition, information on how to start moving
away from fattening foods and introducing healthy
alternatives is included along with the basics of phys-
ical activity and exercise. The primary behavior mod-
ifications that impact the entire family are also
discussed.The Twelve-Week Program
Trim Kidsis very structured program. The following
four sections comprise coreareas addressed every week:
Time to Stop and Think: A summary of information
and behavior modifications to be covered that week.
Time to Get Active: Introduces new fitness informa-
tion and exercises appropriate to the child’s program
level.Time to Dine: Provides nutritional education, weekly
menu, shopping list, and recipes each week.
Time to Sum Up: Review of the record forms com-
pleted throughout the week and challenges or
improvements to highlight.
WEEK 1.The first week engages the family by hav-
ing parents introduce the program, identify their role
as a coach, and discuss methods for recording prog-
ress. The child’s level in the program is determined this
week.
Trim Kids is divided into four levels:
Level 1-Red: Severe obesity
Level 2-Yellow: Moderate obesity due to diet, behav-
ior, and/or fitness
Level 3-Green: Overweight, at-risk for obesity
Level 4-Blue: Program goal, maintaining healthy
lifestyle
A pediatrician should determine the appropriate
level for the program. They can provide guidance in
regard to safe exercises, dietary restrictions, and addi-
tional medical support required.
The behavioral change at this stage focuses on
having the child monitor their eating and activities.
Allowing the child to recognize and record when, how
much, and why they eat or exercise is shown to pos-
itively impact their progress.
WEEK 2.Nutrition is discussed at length in the
second week. Families learn about portion control,
healthy food choices, and involving the child in food
selection. Lifestyle changes include eating slower, try-
ing new foods, limiting portions, and eliminating sug-
ary drinks.
WEEK 3.The third week stresses the importance of
parents being good role models for their children.
Parents must be willing to make the same types of
changes to their diet and fitness levels they ask of
their child. In addition, family members identify
what prompts them to eat and learn about stimulus
control as well as tricks for avoiding social scenarios
that lead to overindulgence.
The Moderate-Intensity Progressive Exercise Pro-
gram (MPEP) is introduced in the fitness section.
MPEP Step is simply modifying an individual’s pos-
ture so they walk quickly with their head up and
shoulders back. This posture makes an individual
look taller, thinner, and more confident—all traits
that usually lead to more energy and activity.
WEEK 4.The theme for week four is motivation
and optimistic reinforcement. Tips for getting kids up
and moving without arguing and how to respondKEY TERMS
Behavior modification—Changing an individual’s
behavior through positive and negative responses
to achieve a desired result.
Dietician—A health professional who specializes
in food and nutrition.
Exercise psychologist—A health professional who
specializes in behaviors related to physical activity.
Target heart rate—A method using pulse measure-
ments to monitor progress while exercising. A tar-
get heart rate is typically 50-85% of an individual’s
maximum heart rate.Trim Kids