The Wellspring Model for Adolescent Obesity TreatmentEliza Kingsford, MA LPC

Wellspring La JollaWellspring Family CampWellspring Women's ProgramWellspring WisconsinWellspring New York

Wellspring PennsylvaniaWellspring FloridaWellspring TexasWellspring UK- England

Populations served– Male/Female 5-24

– Female 25 +

– Typical age range 11-18

Average LOS– 5 weeks

1. Help Clients Reach Healthier Weights

2. Weight Loss As Catalyst For:– Permanent Lifestyle Change

– Emotional Growth

– Academic Progress

Behavior based program using CBT techniques for behavior change

Eat Very Little Fat (aim for 0; < 20g OK) 10,000 Steps – Move to Lose Self-Monitor 100%

Moderation

Very Low Fat Diet

Cognitive Behavioral

Therapy

Healthy Obsession (&

Self-Monitoring)

Increased Physical Activity

Continuing-Care

Family Involvement

Long TermWeightControl

DEFINITION:A healthy obsession is a sustainedpreoccupation with the planning and execution of target behaviors used to reach a healthy goal.

Becoming a Long-Term Weight Controller (LTWC) is like becoming a good athlete:– The bodies of athletes resist performance (the body would

rather not get pushed so hard).– Elite (and even competent) performance requires mastery of

new skills (e.g., bowling 150+).– It takes lots of practice and time.– More than anything else, it takes consistent focusing –

healthy obsessions.

SEE: Kirschenbaum, D.S. (2006). The Healthy Obsession Program. BenBella. Kirschenbaum, D.S., Craig, R., & Tjelmeland, L. (2007). Sierras Weight Loss Solution for Teens and Kids. Penguin.

Wellspring Plan • A Self-Help Book• 8 Steps (includes 3 simple changes & healthy obsession) • 60 Recipes

>- 3.5% - 3 to + 3% >+3.5%

Wellspring Camp Follow-up 2009:% That Maintained, Gained or Continued to lose 12-16 Months After Camp

Other published research:•Highly Successful Weight Control by Formerly Obese Adolescents: A Qualitative Test of the Healthy Obsession Model. Kristen J. Gierut, Kristina M. Pecora, Daniel S. Kirschenbaum. Childhood Obesity. October 1, 2012.

•Treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity: An integrative review of recent recommendations from five expert groups. Kirschenbaum, Daniel S.; Gierut, Kristen. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol 81(2), Apr 2013

•Parents May Hold the Keys to Success in Immersion Treatment of Adolescent Obesity. Katharine A. Hinkle, Daniel S. Kirschenbaum, Kristina M. Pecora & Julie N. Germannd Child & Family Behavior Therapy Volume 33, Issue 4, 2011

•Efficacy of a Screening Procedure to Identify Potentially Disruptive Participants in an Immersion Program for the Treatment of Adolescent Obesity Kirschenbaum D. · Pecora Kelly K. · Germann J. Obesity Facts 2009

Per

cen

t O

verw

eig

ht

1 Year Before Camp

80

50

70

60

40

6-14 MonthFollow-ups

2004

Camp Ends

Camp Begins

Without Camp?

20052006

20072008