Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

Benefits

After fifteen years of hands-on research and

implementation of the twelve week plan, the authors

present concise information in a straightforward,

repetitive layout week after week. The step-by-step

format makes it simple to follow. In addition, forms

for recording physical activity, food intake, goals, and

strength/flexibility workouts are included.

The program facilitates changes in eating habits

by providing weekly menus, shopping lists, and rec-

ipes. A table of food portions and their food unit

(carbohydrate,protein, fat, vegetable) is a useful tool

for preparing and serving meals.

In regard to physical activity, participants are

educated about fitness topics such as body composi-

tion, muscular strength, flexibility, endurance, and

how to find their target heart rate. Each week a new

exercise is introduced with recommended goals based

on program level. Frequent, moderate activity is

emphasized as it is developmentally more appropriate

for children. Ideas for indoor activities and family

outings provide variety and prevent burnout.

A key aspect of the program is behavior modifi-

cation. Issues with self-image, self-esteem, peer pres-

sure, and stress are highlighted. Guidelines and

suggestions are provided for both parents and children

to address common tempting social scenarios such as

parties, vacations, and holidays. Parents learn how to

encourage their child’s progress by acknowledging

their own role in the child’s obesity, modeling the

desired behaviors, offering positive reinforcement,

and providing choices.

Precautions

Trim Kidsis designed for use at home in conjunc-

tion with supervision by a pediatrician. As with any

weight loss program, it is important to speak with a

physician regarding any health issues, dietary restric-

tions, or physical activity limitations before starting. If

participating in the CTK program, make sure facili-

tators are trained and certified by the Committed to

Kids Weight-Management Program training team.

Due to the nature of this program, full participa-

tion of all family members is required. Parents need

to be familiar with the program and clearly present

expectations to everyone involved. Reservations or

aversion to the program should be handled prior to

starting.

Risks

There are no major risks associated with this

weight loss program when followed as directed under

a physician’s supervision.

Research and general acceptance

Success at the CTK weight-management clinic at

Louisiana State University (LSU) was the catalyst for

the Trim Kids at-home program. CTK has been part

of the LSU Health Sciences Center for over fifteen

years. Dr. Sothern and her team of psychologists,

dieticians, and exercise physiologists continue to

research childhood obesity at CTK clinics and refine

the Trim Kids program. Research findings from the

clinic are published often in medical journals. How-

ever, research on the program from an outside per-

spective is not readily available.

The National Cancer Institute approved the

CTK/Trim Kids program as a research tested inter-

vention program (RTIP). This means the research

program was funded and has been peer-reviewed as

well as published in a peer-reviewed journal. RTIPs

undergo evaluation and receive scoring in six different

areas. A summary of the program combined with the

program scores allows individuals to make compari-

sons and find additional resources. Trim Kids received

high scores in all areas except Research Integrity.

Research on the program is considered weak with

only some confidence in research results.

According to a 2006 article inJournal of Adoles-

cent Healthweight management programs for chil-

dren, including CTK, lack the necessary data to

prove them effective. Despite this, CTKs multidiscipli-

nary team approach to preventing and treating obesity

in children is implemented in numerous schools, hos-

pitals, and community centers.

Although research is primarily limited to informa-

tion generated at LSUs CTK clinic, their accomplish-

ments are hard to deny. Over 1,000 kids have

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR

DOCTOR

 What is your experience with this program?

 Is there a local Committed to Kids Program

Weight-Management Program?

 Are there exercise limitations or dietary

restrictions for my child?

Trim Kids