Weight Loss Camps and Boarding Schools:
Are they Right for your Obese Child?

In America, the rate of morbid obesity among children and adolescents is at an all-time high.  Parents are scrambling to find solutions to help their children lose weight sensibly.  While many have tried diets, support groups and exercise programs, others find that they need to take more drastic steps to get their child’s obesity problem under control.

The life of an obese child is tough.  They’re often subject to bullying by there peers, can’t keep up with friends in physical activities, and usually suffer from depression and anxiety because of their weight.  Many also contract other weight-related diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, making life even more difficult for these children.

Do Weight Loss Camps Work?

For decades, families have turned to weight loss camps for assistance in encouraging their child to lose weight.  Once known as “fat camps”, today’s weight loss camps are new and modern, touting more up-to-date techniques for helping overweight children and addressing more than just the numbers of the scale.

Gone are the days of the traditional “fat camp”, where children are fed salads at every meal, are tortured by excessive physical exercise, and come to despise their counselors by the end of their stay.

Nowadays, such camps teach new lifestyle habits, meaning that children and teens will leave the camp equipped with the tools that allow them to keep the weight off and begin to lead a happier life.

Camp counselors are truly “counselors”.  Usually licensed psychologists and/or nutritionists, the staff at the majority of today’s weight loss camps are eager to address the emotional problems that plague obese children and adolescents, often the root of their overeating.

Campers are no longer deprived of food.  Instead, they are taught to make smart choices when it comes to eating.  Some camps even accompany campers on field trips to local restaurants, teaching the kids how to use what they’ve learned about food and eating in a real life scenario.

Sensible exercise is also an integral part of a good weight loss camp program.  Children should be given a choice of fun sports and activities that will not only provide physical exercise but enjoyment as well.  At weight loss camp, obese children will be thrilled to participate in sports which perhaps they could no longer enjoy at home with their peers, mainly due to their weight.

The true success of weight loss camps is measured during the months after camp ends.  Many offer follow-up programs, with counselors and staff making phone calls and sending emails of encouragement to their charges, prompting them to keep with the program.

Weight Loss Boarding Schools

Throughout North America, a handful of 9-month long weight loss boarding schools are available for high-school aged students who need that little bit extra.  These schools are especially appropriate for those suffering from severe emotional problems extending from their weight challenges.

So far, most of these programs have received enthusiastic accolades and boast academic programs that are far superior to those that many of the students would find at their local high schools.

Weight loss techniques used here are similar to those used at weight loss camps, but students will benefit from longer and more frequent counseling services and will have a longer amount of time to adjust to their eventual life outside of this sheltered and encouraging environment.

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