Clinics Keep Kids on Weight-Loss Track

Losing weight isn’t always easy. Fortunately, The Children’s Hospital offers three clinics to help you and your children live healthier lives.

• The GoodLIFE Clinic treats normal overweight children, overweight children with medical problems and those at risk for becoming overweight. Pediatricians, nurses, dietitians, therapeutic recreation specialists and psychologists use individualized and family-centered plans to treat each child and their families to help them understand the causes of their excessive weight gain.
• The Metabolic Syndrome Clinic examines and treats children and adolescents whose weight problems involve Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome and obesity-related sleep apnea. Pediatric endocrinologists, dietitians and diabetes nurse educators focus on healthy eating, physical activity and changes in behavior.
• The SHAPEDOWN® Clinic, offered through The Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, uses a group approach to emphasize lifestyle and behavioral changes for children and families. Our team of experts will guide your entire family on how to best manage weight. Once the family completes the 10-week program, SHAPEDOWN staff members follow up with your child for two years to reinforce the changes the family has made.

If you are unsure which program or clinic is right for your child, Children’s has a Weight Management Nurse Coordinator. This individual works with parents and referring physicians to determine the best fit for every child.

For more information about our programs or to schedule an appointment with our Weight Management Nurse Coordinator, call (770) 777-3352.