From Publishers Weekly
Sothern, an exercise physiologist, von Almen, a research psychologist, and dietician Schumacher team up in this comprehensive workbook to help parents guide their overweight children to better health. Today, 10 million kids that's one in four are overweight, the authors say, and the more overweight the child, the more at risk he is for adult obesity and type II diabetes; he's also more susceptible to low self-esteem and depression. Focusing on a three-pronged approach with nutrition, exercise and behavior modification techniques, the authors help parents assess their children's weight and choose one of four levels suited to the severity of their condition. The 12-week, 12-chapter process which begins with a trip to your child's pediatrician can be repeated as needed; as children progress, they simply graduate to a new level of the program. This kid-friendly method uses weekly goal-setting to prompt motivation and includes suggestions to get kids moving (get them to play tag or put a stationary bike in front of the TV). Snacks and meals clearly have been created with kids' taste buds in mind (i.e. frozen grapes or oven-baked chicken nuggets), though the entire family will enjoy many of the recipes. This practical guidebook will surely help parents get overweight kids on the right track to a healthy future, and its workbook format offers plenty of space for parents and kids to chart their successes.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
With 25 percent of American children overweight or obese, how can parents help a child lose excess pounds without nagging or making him or her develop an eating disorder? Exercise physiologist Sothern, research psychologist T. Kristian von Almen, and clinical dietician Heidi Schmacher have provided readers with the blueprint of their "Trim Kids" program, as developed over the last 15 years at Louisiana State University. The 12-week plan offers concrete guidelines for nutrition, exercise, positive reinforcement, and feedback based on each child's color-coded weight level (assigned initially by the severity of the child's weight problem). Part 1 provides background on the program and its components; Part 2 is a week-by-week guide to menus, recipes and suggested grocery lists, exercises, record keeping, and helpful hints, with comments from both parents and children at various stages of success. Relapses and backsliding are addressed as well. A little daunting if read in one sitting, this book is chock-full of advice that can be used even outside of the program. Recommended. Anne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial Hosp., NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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