Medical
The doctor diagnoses and treats weight related
health problems. The physician and nurses
monitor weight loss progress. They may prescribe
medications to help with weight loss, although
this is uncommon.
Nutrition
We begin with key changes to the home food
environment. Specific meal plans are given, as you
continue in the program. These meal plans are
patient specific under the guidance of the dietitian.
Teen WOW is a weight management program that
helps adolescents ages 12 and up achieve their
weight loss goals and create a healthier lifestyle.
The 3 step program includes:
• Medical exams
• 8 week health group
• Mental health support
• Dietitian visits
• Fitness testing
Step 1
• Focuses on making basic changes
and increasing motivation
• Lasts 8-12 weeks
Behavioral health
Each family will have a meeting with the behavioral
health specialist to talk about how parents can
help their teen. Patients will take part in an 8 week
group program that focuses on how to make
changes in their lives. After the group ends, teens
can re-enroll. They can also begin individual or
family therapy to address other needs.
Physical activity
Exercise specialists will do fitness testing for
strength, balance and endurance. There are
4 sessions in the behavioral health group to teach
you how to exercise safely and correctly. There
is also a fitness training program that you can join.
It meets twice weekly for 12 weeks and includes a
home exercise program.The goal is to be physically
active for at least 1 hour most days of the week.
Step 2
• Uses more specific eating and exercise
plans to increase weight loss
• Goal is to reach 5-10% weight loss
Please arrive no later than 30 minutes
prior to your first appointment time.
Check-in (15 minutes): You will be weighed
in a gown after using the bathroom.You will
get dressed after check-in.
Surveys (30 minutes): You will answer
several written questions that we will use
to identify any specific needs.
Medical history and physical exam
(45 minutes):
• Medical and family history.
• The teenager will be interviewed
alone for part of the visit.
• A complete physical exam will
be performed.
Dietitian (45 minutes):
• We prefer you have a dietitian visit the
same day as the first medical visit.
• You will get a dietary change plan.
• A body composition study may be done
or can be done on a different day.
Fitness testing (45 minutes): Endurance,
strength, balance and coordination testing.
Check out (5-10 minutes): Schedule
follow-up visits and receive forms for any
additional studies.
Follow-up:
We will see you back in 2 weeks for the family
meeting with a behavioral health provider.
You will see the medical provider and dietitian
every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor progress and
adjust goals and plans as needed. Be aware that
how often you are seen may differ based on
your specific needs.
Step 3
• Teaches how to prevent weight regain
• Lasts three months
• Can return to step two for more weight loss
Program features
What to expect at your first visit
Call 832-822-4887 to make an appointment today!
The program is offered at two locations:
Texas Children’s Hospital
Main Campus
Clinical Care Center, 11th Floor
6701 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77030
Texas Children’s Hospital
Teen WOW
Teens Working on Wellness
West Campus
Outpatient Clinic, 4th Floor
18200 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77094
Call 832-822-4887
to make an appointment today!
Cancellation policy
New patient:
If more than two appointments are missed
or cancelled less than 24 hours in advance
of the appointment, it will not be rescheduled
in our clinic.
Returning patient: If more than three
visits are cancelled less than 24 hours in
advance or if you do not show up for your
scheduled appointment, a fourth visit will
not be rescheduled in our clinic.
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