Amazing S.T.E.P.S. (St. John Teens: Exceptional, Powerful, Successful).
St. John Weight Loss has launched a family based program for the treatment of adolescent obesity: Amazing S.T.E.P.S. The program, led by Dr. Karen Alton's multidisciplinary team, is based on Shapedown, the nation's leading adolescent weight management program. For more information, contact St. John Providence Weight Loss at 866.996.3066.
What is Childhood Obesity?
Childhood obesity affects more than 30% of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. Childhood obesity is not just a cosmetic problem. Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and other co-morbid conditions associated with obesity. A child is defined as “overweight” if their weight-for-age percentile is greater than 95 percent. A child is defined as “at risk for overweight” if their weight-for-age percentile is greater than 85 percent and less than 95 percent.
Causes of childhood obesity include environment, dietary patterns, lack of physical activity, socioeconomic status, heredity and family.
The Centers for Disease Control have identified obesity as a chronic disease, one that can and needs to be managed for a lifetime. Obesity in children is leading to many related diseases such as asthma, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Our physicians believe that obesity which begins in childhood should be addressed as early in life as possible. The standard programs that are successful for adults will not be as successful in children.
Youth Program Information
Treating obesity in children and adolescents differs from treatment in adults. Involving the family in a child’s weight management program is a key element to treatment. Treatment of pediatric obesity is not accomplished by just dieting. You need to address multiple aspects of the child and the family’s lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity patterns. Prior to discussing any treatment plans, you first must determine the desired goals. If your child is overweight, or at risk for becoming overweight, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop an individualized plan of care that includes realistic goals and action steps.
At St. John Providence Weight Loss, we offer a youth program to help children named I’M STRONG at our Shelby and St. John Hospital locations. Children 12-17 years of age or 7th-12th grade are eligible to join. The program incorporates exercise with personal training, balanced nutrition, and lifestyle/behavioral education. The weight management team consists of registered dietitians, exercise specialists, psychologists, and counselors.
The focus is on helping children develop their own best bodies by addressing self-esteem, physical activity, and education. Educational topics taught include society and its influence on weight and diet. Skills such as food label reading, portion sizes, eating out and healthy snacking.
After enrollment, a family meeting led by a registered dietitian, will help your child and family establish goals, meal plans, and activities. Then, each week your child will come in to experience 45 minutes of exercise training with our trainer, followed by 45 minutes of an educational group--either nutrition- or behavioral/lifestyle-focused.
For more information, call St. John Providence Weight Loss at 866-996-3066 and ask about the “I’m Strong” youth program.
Three Steps to Begin the I’M STRONG Program:
Enroll
The following links provide helpful information on childhood and adolescent obesity.
Childhood Obesity--Centers for Disease Control
Healthy Youth--Centers for Disease Control
President's Council on Physical Fitness--Department of Health & Human Services