"LEANER" - A MEDICINE BASED PROGRAM TO SUPPORT WEIGHT LOSS

Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge for all of us - and especially our children.  Conventional 'quick-fix' solutions rarely deliver sustained results.  That's because reaching (and maintaining) a healthy weight requires ongoing management of numerous variables, customized for each individual child based on an understanding of the delicate equilibriums of our body, guided by medicine - not fads. 

Our approach begins with a thorough medical evaluation to identify any potential physical conditions (genetic-based or otherwise) which may be impeding the ability to reach a healthy weight (as defined by age-appropriate medical standards).  Sometimes, medical interventions to address underlying root-causes can remove structural barriers to our children's weight loss journey.  

It's well understood that being active helps maintain a healthy weight.  However, what's less well understood is some forms of activity are more effective and sustainable than others, and because every child is different, there's no 'one-size-fits-all'.  We will work closely together to design a program specific that enables us to 'meet your child where they are'.  

Studies have shown that, aside from medical challenges, diet plays a pivotal role in reaching a healthy weight.  However, managing weight via. diet is especially challenging for children given the fact that they are growing and developing.  Strict caloric restriction is the wrong solution.  Rather, recognizing that all calories are not created equal is critical.  A balanced diet delivering adequate nutrition is absolutely required for growing children.  We will work together to update the diet of your child not only to support their journey to a healthy weight, but provide them with the foundational education and tools to make wise dietary decisions for the rest of their lives.  

With the advent of social media, along with many other forms of peer pressure driving body image issues, our children are more vulnerable to mental health challenges than ever before.  At it's foundation, our program to support your child will recognize the extent to which children need emotional support, empathy and encouragement throughout each stage of their journey.  We will work with parents to make sure our children can be the best version of themselves as they grow.

Metabolic studies have clearly identified the extent to which rest not only supports growth from an endocrine perspective, but weight management as well.  We will work with you and your children to optimize the amount of rest they receive during this busy phase of their lives (as sleep often falls victim to numerous other priorities during adolescence).