This time of year many people are well into fitness programs they started in January.

Studies show that adults are not the only ones fighting to keep the pounds off but many children struggle with obesity.

Health officials say it frequently can become a life long issue that can begin as a child.

There is a program in Fulton County that is designed to help children change old habits and begin to lead a healthier lifestyle.

This year Graham Wellness Center in Canton began offering the Shape Down program for children overweight or at risk for obesity. Health officials say it's not your typical weight loss program and children can only get involved with the participation and support of their parents.

Jean Siefert and her eight-year-old daughter Tiffany Stufflebean share a common goal these days.

The single mother of three, who underwent a medical procedure to lose weight, now exercises eats more fruits and vegetables and encourages Tiffany to do the same.

Siefert said, "Last year my father found out he is a diabetic and my mother had some problems with her heart so I decided I'm pushing 40 so now it's time to do something with my weight, so I decided that it's time to take charge of my children's weight and get a grip on that."

For the past 6 weeks Siefert and Stufflebean have attended the Shape Down exercise Program once a week at Graham Wellness Center.

Wellness Center Director Carla Bahr says the University of California program allows children and their parents to set their own goals and addresses kids emotional needs in order in order to successfully lose weight.

Bahr said, "Shape Down is all about beginning to communicate not only our bad feelings but our good feelings. We want families to feel loving and close to one another and also encourage one another in healthy lifestyles."

"Every week they are setting goals, so it's not just one time. I'm watching less tv this week. I'm buying less video games this week. I'm exercising longer this week.

Siefert says at first Stufflebean was uneasy about participating in Shape Down which also includes role playing and meeting with a nutritionist. But with relatives joining the class she says her daughter became interested.

Now 3 days a week Stufflebean writes in her health journal, eats healthier foods and exercises for 40 minutes.

Tiffany said, "We used to just like eat mac and cheese and then a hot dog. Now we eat carrots and oranges and apples for dinner. Is that stuff good? Yeah."

Statistics from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry show that between 16 and 33 percent of children and teenagers are overweight. Health officials say there are several causes for the problem including everything from genetics to junkfoods.

"Kids are maybe close to one parent and another parent is distant, emotional causes will cause overeating. We live in a sedentary society. We have lots of games we have lots of isolation and I would say that loneliness is a big part of what goes on."

Bahr says doctors often refer children to programs like Shape Down ...but for parents who are concerned about their kids becoming obese...there are some steps you can take at home...

Plan meals.....and steer clear of fatty foods and junk foods.

Control portions and serve foods with less calories.

Develop more active lifestyles...take walks with your children, include recreation approved by your doctor.

Stufflebean says a motivator for her is getting rewards for meeting her goals.

"This week that we are coming into we will have my birthday party and one week I got to go see Alvin and the chipmunks."

Stufflebean's mother says despite a somewhat slow start she is confident her daughter is on the right path to living a healthier life even after the Shape Down course ends.

"She actually likes to exercise now and we've made it kind of a family thing."

Tiffany Stufflebean's goal is to lose up to one pound a week until she reaches her goal.

The Shape Down Program costs $375 for both parents and child.

If you would like more information on it call the Wellness Center at 647-4087.