Teenage Weight Loss Camps

Being overweight is difficult for anyone, but even more so for teenagers. Their peers, often trying to deflect their own self-esteem issues, may ridicule, tease, and even ostracize them because they do not "fit the mold." One option for teens with genuine weight problems is a summer camp designed specifically to help young adults lose weight.

History

In the 1950's, weight loss camps commonly known as "fat farms" came into existence. These camps were typically for adults, although obese teenagers attended as well. These programs were dangerously unhealthy, providing meals that totaled as few as four hundred calories a day (the U.S. Department of Health recommends about two thousand calories a day for the typical adult). While attendees did lose weight quickly, they gained it back just as fast when they went home.

Function

Weight loss camps for teens have two primary functions. The first is to help campers lose weight and get in shape while attending the camp. The second is to teach the teenagers how to make healthier food choices and incorporate exercise into their daily lives, so that they can either continue to lose weight or maintain their new, healthier size.

Time Frame

Weight loss camps usually run all summer long. However, the sessions are often broken down into weeks and the camper and his or her family can determine how long they will attend. Typically, the shortest time a teen can attend a weight loss camp is one week to twelve days. They can choose to stay for the endurance of the program (anywhere from eight to twelve weeks), or a shorter period of between two to seven weeks.

Features

Teen weight loss camps provide healthy food and scheduled exercise in a controlled atmosphere. The teens are not subjected to unhealthy, high-caloric foods until they have nearly completed their session. At this time, they will usually be taken to a restaurant or store and assisted in making the best possible choices. This will help them once they are back in the "real world". Campers get to choose from a range of fun and interesting exercise classes, such as boogie boarding, kick boxing and cheerleading.

Considerations

At weight loss camps, teens will build friendships with peers who understand the struggles and challenges of being overweight. They have the opportunity to try sports and activities they might normally feel embarrassed to attempt. The controlled environment will be difficult at first. Campers may feel hungry at times, as they will be on a (safely) reduced calorie diet, and they might feel emotional about the foods they miss. However, if they stick with the program, teens can reap great rewards at a weight loss camp.

Resources

• Assistance Finding the Best Camp