Serving Michigan

Healthy Families Program

Our Healthy Families Program, formerly ShapeDown, promotes strong, healthy bodies and families that thrive. Parents, children and teens work together as a team with a registered dietitian, exercise and behavior specialist to learn how healthy eating, an active lifestyle and effective communication promote healthy weight and family well-being.

About the Healthy Families Program

Program features include:

  • Virtual and in person classes and appointments available
  • Active involvement of the entire family to support a healthier lifestyle
  • Emphasis on balanced eating habits, not restriction
  • Sessions for parents/guardians to learn positive role-modeling techniques, communication and parenting skills
  • Emphasis on improving the child's overall self-acceptance
  • Fun, active exercise sessions and cooking activities
  • Group setting for parents/guardians and kids to gain support from others

Ready to get started?

Register for one of our upcoming classes or sessions today.

Our Locations

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How Does the Healthy Families Program Work?

If this program is right for your family, here’s what to expect:

  • Intake appointment: Talk with a member of our care team to learn more about the program and determine the best path forward.
  • Initial appointment: Meet with our behavior specialist, exercise specialist and registered dietitian to identify health goals, provide information, and establish a plan of care.
  • Weekly classes: Parents/Guardians and kids (ages 6-18) attend eight weekly sessions, exploring ways to grow healthy bodies and healthy families.
  • Final appointment: Meet with our behavior specialist, exercise specialist and registered dietitian to discuss your progress and how to stay consistent and motivated moving forward.
  • Follow-up: Meet with our care team regularly to promote accountability and help you stay on track with progress toward long term health and wellness.
  • Individual visits: If the group setting is not the right fit at this time or if more intensive support is needed, we offer appointments to meet regularly with one or more of our care team members for an individualized care plan.

What are Weekly Classes Like?

A parent/guardian and child attend class together each week, ideally the same adult each time. Classes are offered both in person and virtually, year-round. Everyone begins the evening together and then separates into adults and kids to rotate through Nutrition, Exercise and Behavior sessions.

The group setting helps parents/guardians and kids gain support from others. Activities include:

  • Goal setting
  • Nutrition lessons and preparing a healthy snack
  • Engaging in and building physical activity habits and fun ways to move your body
  • Reflecting on challenges and successes of the past week

Getting Started with the Healthy Families Program

Trinity Health Michigan works with your insurance to determine whether the program is a covered service. We bill all insurance companies.  If any part of the program is not covered, scholarships are available to cover the remainder. No family is turned away due to finances.

Family Fun Preview

The Family Fun Preview is a free, informative and interactive sample class. We encourage your entire family to attend. During class, you can expect to prepare and eat a nutritious mini meal, do a family activity and learn more about our program. Family Fun Previews are offered virtually and in-person year-round.

Healthy Families Registration and Paperwork

Physicians refer patients to our program. If needed, we will assist you in getting a physician referral.

Register for Healthy Families online, by calling 734-712-5694, or emailing aasjshapedown@trinity-health.org.

Access Healthy Families paperwork: