Shapedown BC

Shapedown BC is a program that helps children, adolescents, and their families achieve healthy weights. There are no diets involved in the program. Instead, Shapedown BC supports families in creating healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle. Families learn to set goals that target positive lifestyle changes and also look at the issues that may block positive change.

Children and teens improve self-esteem and peer relationships and adopt healthier habits. Parents will learn to sharpen their nurturing and limit setting skills which will help them feel better about their relationship with their child. The whole family becomes healthier and closer. The results go far beyond weight.

How does the Shapedown Program work?

• Parents, children, and teens who are eligible (see criteria below) take part in a review of their medical, social, psychological, and fitness needs.
• Specific goals are created for the family and outlined in a care plan. The care plan also tells you if Shapedown BC is the right program for your family.
• If Shapedown BC is right for your family, you will be invited to participate in our 10 week group program specifc for your age group. The weekly sessions are about two hours each.
• After your family has completed the program, you will be invited to join the weekly fitness maintenance program at the YMCA - Langara Location. You will also receive monthly newsletters to help keep you on track. Once a year you will also be invited to participate in a follow-up group session

What happens during the 10-week group sessions?

• A variety of topics related to making healthy lifestyle choices including healthy eating, active living, and building strong relationships are discussed each week.
• Children/teens and their parent(s) and/or primary caregiver(s) are often separated in order to facilitate age appropriate discussions in a fun, interactive, comfortable environment.
• The Shapedown facilitators will teach families how to make positive changes using SMART goal setting techniques.  Families will build on their success each week.
• Children/teens will engage in a 30-minute fun-filled active session with a qualified fitness instructor from the YMCA.  Water bottles, comfortable clothing, and athletic footwear are recommended!
• Participants will get a chance to enjoy a variety of healthy snack options.

Families will also be encouraged to attend eight weekly fitness sessions at the YMCA - Langara Location on either Saturday or Sunday.  Each fun, active, hour-long session is run by a certified fitness instructor and the whole family is invited to participate!  Free three-month passes to the YMCA will be provided as incentives to encourage full participation in the eight week program.

Who is eligible to attend the program?

1. Children/adolescents between 6-16 years of age.
2. Children/adolescents with a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 95%. Children/adolescents with a BMI between 85% and 95% will be considered if certain medical conditions are present.
3. Both parents and children/adolescents must be prepared to make changes and attend on a regular basis.
4. At least one parent, who attends the program, must be proficient in English.

**To be considered for our services, please ask your physician or professional health care provider to send us a referral form.

More information

To learn more about the program, download the brochure (PDF 835 KB), or contact us.

Updated: November 18, 2011