when they do not cooperate help maintain a construc-
tive focus on the goals. A variety of indoor activities
offer options to keep kids moving on days they have to
stay inside.
WEEK 5.The fifth week explores how new behav-
iors are acquired, the ABCs of behavior change (Ante-
cedents, Behavior, Consequences), and the difference
between hunger andcravings. Kids learn how to tune
into their bodies by understandingmetabolism, mon-
itoring their target heart rate, and recognizing activity
limitations.
WEEK 6.The midpoint of the program teaches kids
how to improve their self-esteem and self-image. This
is accomplished primarily by learning to speak posi-
tively instead of having negative thoughts that foster
inactivity and poor eating habits.
WEEK 7.In the seventh week, methods for relaxa-
tion are introduced to help both parents and kids
handle stress that often develops when making life
changes. This week is also an opportunity to evaluate
overall success meeting weekly goals and make adjust-
ments where necessary.
WEEK 8.During the eighth week parents are
encouraged to hold family meetings on a regular
basis. The meetings provide a forum to discuss how
everyone is handling the changes taking place. Rein-
forcing positive behaviors and recognizing the family’s
success helps maintain commitment. It is equally
important to be aware of challenging program com-
ponents and ask for input on how the family can
remain on track.
WEEK 9.Week nine invites parents to talk with
their child about responding to social and emotional
pressures that prompt unhealthy habits. Support sug-
gestions are offered to parents who may begin experi-
encing burnout. Connecting with other parents and
children seeking a healthy lifestyle provides a positive
support network as well as playmates and education
exchanges.
WEEK 10.Week ten addresses the topic of traveling
while on the program. Recommendations for eating
healthy on the road and remaining active are pre-
sented. Tips for notifying friends and family of the
new eating habits when visiting are provided as well.
WEEK 11.The eleventh week begins concluding the
program and setting kids up for success on their own.
Parents learn how to recognize the difference between
lapse, relapse, and collapse of a child’s healthy life-
style. It is normal for a child to lapse, but relapse and
collapse require revaluating the situation and recom-
mitting to the program goals.
WEEK 12.In the final week, the child’s pediatrician
evaluates progress made. Depending on the child’s
initial program level they may either graduate to the
next level or remain at the current level. If the child has
not yet reached the final level (Blue), the program
repeats for twelve week increments until the weight
loss goal is achieved. Children who do not make any
progress during the twelve weeks must choose to
recommit to their desire for a healthier lifestyle.
The ultimate goal of Trim Kids is to modify
behaviors for healthy living. Kids who reach the Blue
level continue to commit to the program guidelines in
order to maintain their weight loss and improved fit-
ness. Success is sustained more often when the entire
family stays dedicated as well.FunctionThe Trim Kids program is designed for children
between the ages of seven and seventeen. It is a struc-
tured twelve week plan that requires parent participa-
tion. Parents act as coaches to educate their children
about healthy eating habits, nutrition information,
and how to be more active. Behavior modification is
an essential component of the program. Through self-
assessments, children learn to recognize why, how,
and what they eat. By teaching them how to respond
to eating triggers with healthy alternatives, parents
instill weight management tools they can use through-
out life.
Involving the entire family in the program also
lends to its success. The obese child is surrounded by
a support system and is less isolated in regard to the
lifestyle changes.Trim Kidsteaches parents how to
shop for healthy food and be positive role models to
their children. The program encourages all family
members to try new foods, eliminate unhealthy
snacks, and find ways to be active together. The
authors recommend that parents give credit to the
child for inspiring the other family members to adopt
a healthy lifestyle as well.
By integrating a series of small changes into a
child’s routine, they are able to make big progress
toward their weight loss goals. Modifications include
drinking waterinstead of sugary drinks, walking
around instead of sitting while talking on the phone,
exercising or stretching during commercial breaks,
and eating smaller portions. Cutting a few calories
and exercising a few extra minutes throughout the
day adds up quickly over the weeks. Since these
changes are not as dramatic as most adult weight loss
programs, kids are more likely to stick with them.Trim Kids