The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a nutrition, exercise and lifestyle coaching program for children ages 7 to 12 who are overweight. Children and their parents meet weekly during the eight-week program to learn about weight control with a registered dietitian, physical activities leader and counselor. Parents also work with a clinical psychologist to assist their children in meeting their weight-control goals.

Nutrition
Hamburgers, chili, pizza. Nobody eats those things when they’re trying to lose weight. But students in The Body Shop might. For them, favorite foods do not have to be forbidden foods. In this section of the program, a registered dietitian will teach students and parents new ways of choosing foods and changing eating habits.

“Nutrition” includes:

Learning USDA's MyPlate guidelines
Coping with problem foods
Eating for energy
Handling parties, eating out, and school lunches

Physical Awareness
During Physical Awareness, a certified personal trainer will teach children and parents to make active habits happen. They learn that people who lose fat and keep it off have one thing in common — regular exercise habits.

Students and parents practice:

Improving balance and coordination
Building strength and endurance
Body image and body awareness
Using activities to decrease stress

Time Out For Me
Self-esteem is the most important gift we can give ourselves. A school psychologist will help your child discover their strengths and believe in their special abilities.

Students practice:

Goal-setting
Changing negative habits
Dealing with discouragement and stress
Taking responsibility for feelings and actions

Parenting Support Group
We call it encouragement, kids call it nagging. What is supportive parenting? A clinical psychologist will teach parents how to turn praise into encouragement, practice ways to improve communication and find out what they can do for a more positive home environemnt. Group sharing will take place with other Body Shop parents.

Discussion topics include:

Praise: positive ways to change behavior
Contracting and rewarding
Responsibility: How not to assume it and how to give it
Helping your child feel more self-confident

Parental attendance at all The Body Shop sessions is required.

How much weight will my child lose?
About 90 percent of the children who complete The Body Shop lose weight. Most lose an average of one-half to three-quarters of a pound per week for a total of four to six pounds during the 8-week program. This is the rate of weight loss recommended for growing children.

But my child needs to lose 40 pounds!
Children cannot lose weight as rapidly as adults and still have their nutritional needs met. The Body Shop teaches children to gradually lose fat and keep it off as they grow taller.

Are there some children who are more successful than others in The Body Shop?
The Body Shop is most successful with children who need to lose a moderate degree of weight (10 to 50 pounds) and whose families are willing to make changes leading to a healthier lifestyle.

What if my child doesn’t see the weight as a problem?
Most overweight children view their weight as a problem, even if they dont' say so. Buying clothes is a problem. Keeping up in gym is a problem. Being called names is a problem.

We work to motivate children and parents to make changes. No one can make your child lose weight, but you have a great deal of influence on many aspects of your child’s eating and activity.

Upcoming Session
January 17- March 6 2012

Program Fee
A deposit of $25 is required to enroll in this session. Scholarships are available.

For more information or to register for this program, please call The Body Shop at 937-641-5378 .

Visit the Dayton Children's blog and join in the conversation with Dr. Ramey, child psychologist, Jessica Saunders, mommy safety and Dr. Mom on parenting tips and how to keep your kids healthy and safe.