Editorial Review 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 Schumacher 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