KidShape comes to Hershey

Childhood obesity has become one of our nation’s most pressing public health issues. The percentage of children and adolescents ages 2-19 that are overweight has increased dramatically from 5.7 percent in 1980 to 17 percent in 2008 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.

To address the epidemic of childhood obesity and give help to children struggling to deal with weight issues, Penn State Hershey will partner with the Highmark Foundation to offer KidShape®. KidShape is a nine-week program for families with overweight children ages 6 to 14 and is sponsored throughout the region as part of the Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative. The program helps children and their families through better nutrition, increased physical activity and improved self-esteem. A registered dietitian, a mental health professional, and a physical activity specialist work together as a team to help families adopt better nutrition habits and engage in more frequent physical activity while providing group and peer support.

Developed in California in 1987 by a pediatric endocrinologist, KidShape has shown effectiveness in helping families improve their eating and exercise habits. Eighty-seven percent of students lose weight during the nine-week program and children who return for follow-up sessions report maintaining weight or continuing weight loss one-and-a half to two-and-a-half years after the program ends. Penn State Hershey will offer KidShape every Monday evening March 7 through May 2 at the University Fitness Center on the campus of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Anyone interested in learning more about the program can call Danielle Ehrgood at 717-531-1595. Kidshape is open to all families regardless of insurance coverage. At this time, a $10 registration fee is required for each family to secure a spot in the upcoming program. Participants don’t have to have insurance to participate in the program.