SHAPEDOWN

OVERVIEW

SHAPEDOWN is an obesity intervention designed for adolescents.  In an experimental study, obese adolescents were randomly assigned to receive the SHAPEDOWN intervention or to receive no intervention.  One year after the conclusion of the SHAPEDOWN intervention, absolute weight gain was 5.15 kilograms lower in the treatment group than it was in the control group.  Treatment subjects were found to have significant improvement on relative weight (actual weight over mean weight for individuals of that age, sex, and height), weight-related behavior, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and weight management knowledge.  Control subjects showed no significant improvement on any of these outcomes except self-esteem.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

Target population: obese adolescents

SHAPEDOWN uses a self-directed change format to encourage adolescents to make successive, sustainable, small modifications in their diet, exercise, relationships, lifestyle, communications, and attitudes.  The program discourages very-low-calorie and restrictive diets and instead encourages overall fitness and healthy choices.

Every participating adolescent’s treatment is individualized; consequently, SHAPEDOWN sessions can be delivered individually or in group settings.  Each session includes a voluntary weigh-in, a leader-facilitated group interaction, and an exercise period.  The program currently includes ten 2.5-hour sessions for adolescents.

Parents are also encouraged to get involved in the SHAPEDOWN program and two parent sessions are offered over the course of the intervention.

EVALUATION(S) OF PROGRAM

Mellin, L. M., Slinkard, L. A., & Irwin, C. E.  (1987).  Adolescent Obesity Intervention: Validation of the SHAPEDOWN Program.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 87(3), 333-338.

Evaluated population: 66 obese individuals served as the study sample for this investigation.  Subjects were from northern California and ranged in age from 12 to 18.  88% of subjects were white, 7% were Hispanic, 3% were black, and 2% were Asian.

Approach: Subjects were recruited by nutritionists at four health centers – a rural health department, a rural nutrition private practice, a suburban medical clinic, and an urban medical center outpatient clinic.  Subjects were randomly assigned to the treatment group (37 subjects) or to the control group (29 subjects).

Subjects assigned to the treatment group paid to take part in a 14-session implementation of the SHAPEDOWN program.  Sessions occurred on a weekly basis and were 90 minutes in length.  Each session included a voluntary weigh in, leader-facilitated group interaction, and an exercise period.  Parents of treatment subjects were also encouraged to attend two SHAPEDOWN parent sessions.  Nutritionists served as SHAPEDOWN group leaders.  Group leaders received seven hours of instruction on adolescent obesity and three hours of training on study methodology.

Subjects assigned to the control group paid no fees and received no treatment during the first six months of the study.  These individuals were offered the opportunity to register for a program starting six months later.

All subjects had their height and weight measured at baseline and again 3, 6, and 15 months later.  Subjects also filled out questionnaires at baseline and the 3- and 15-month follow-ups.  No differences existed between groups on any outcome measures at baseline.

Results: At 3-month and 15-month follow-ups, treatment subjects showed significant improvement on relative weight (actual weight over mean weight for individuals of that age, sex, and height), weight-related behavior, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and weight management knowledge.  Control subjects showed no significant improvement on any of these outcomes except self-esteem.

At the conclusion of the study (one year after the SHAPEDOWN program concluded), absolute weight gain was 5.15 kilograms lower in the treatment group than it was in the control group.

SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

Curriculum materials available for purchase at:

http://rtips.cancer.gov/rtips/rtips_download.do?programid=61&topicid=9

References:

Mellin, L. M., Slinkard, L. A., & Irwin, C. E.  (1987).  Adolescent Obesity Intervention: Validation of the SHAPEDOWN Program.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 87(3), 333-338.

Program categorized in this guide according to the following:

Evaluated participant ages: 12-18

Program age ranges in the guide: Adolescence, Youth

Program components: Clinic-Based, Provider-Based, or Miscellaneous; Parent or Family Component

Measured outcomes: Physical Health

Program information last updated on 8/31/07

© Child Trends 2003