KidShape

Supports weight management

Additional Information

To encourage healthy habits

Highmark Healthy High 5 programs designed to encourage greater involvement in nutrition and physical activity include:

• LearntobeHealthy.org
  Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center
  www.byrneshec.org
• Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools
  InnerLink, Inc.
  www.healthetoolsforschools.com
• Highmark Healthy High 5 SPARK
  (Sports, Play, Activity and Recreation for Kids)
  www.paspark.org

Below are KidShape program's key points.

The KidShape, geared toward overweight children ages 6 to 14, is based upon weight criteria and referral by a physician, school nurse or other health care provider.

The curriculum is intended to help families adopt better nutrition habits and engage in more frequent physical activity. The program offers (1) nutrition education, (2) physical activity and (3) group/peer support. A team (which includes a registered dietitian, a mental health professional and a physical activity specialist) works to conduct weight management sessions held once a week for nine weeks. A parent must attend sessions with the child, and together, they enjoy hands-on educational activities.

Research shows the most effective treatment for overweight children is a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition education and proper diet, increased physical activity, and support from peers and family. KidShape offers each of these components.

KidShape has received national recognition as an effective solution to childhood weight issues. The program has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Discovery Channel, Newsweek, and Family Circle. The national KidShape website is kidshape.com.

See a list of Pennsylvania KidShape locations .

An incentive program motivates students to stay with the program. Based on attendance and completed “assignments,” students have an opportunity to earn prizes.

Key points

• KidShape is a nine-week program with sessions held once per week.
• Attendance is required for seven out of nine sessions.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at each session.
• Enrollment criteria:
  • 6-14 years of age
  • 85% or more BMI for child's age and sex
• Families do not need to have Highmark insurance to enroll.
• A small enrollment fee, which varies per site, is required.
• Physician referral is not required to start the enrollment process.
• Families can be referred directly to the appropriate site to start the enrollment process.
• The toll free Highmark KidShape number for general inquiries is 1-800-879-2217.

Please view our No junk-food junkies here brochure.