Weight Loss Camps for Kids

Yes, weight loss camps for kids really do exist. If you've heard of band camps, academic camps and other sorts of summer camps, then you can imagine why such summer weight loss camps exist. Weight loss camps are available all across the country. The existence of these camps reflects the growing nationwide concern about the increasing obesity in young children and our society in general.

According to the Aspen Wellness Group, obesity among children and adolescents (defined as 95+ percentile body mass index on a growth chart) has skyrocketed from 6% to 15%. This makes overweight and obesity the most common chronic illness among children and teens an additional 15% of children and teens are overweight, but not obese.

Weight loss camp programs teach kids that they can take control of their weight and enjoy long healthy lives. While at the facilities, children gain skills required for long-term weight management. The children are encouraged to partake in nutrition, lifestyle and group discussion sessions. The sessions can create an awareness of emotional, environmental, and situational clues around eating and activity habits. The campers learn about correct food choices, behavior modification and how to prepare healthy snacks and meals.

Some camps have expanded lifestyle fitness facilities where weight loss is a natural byproduct of newly acquired healthy habits. Most weight loss camps provide a range of fun and stimulating physical activities. These camps typically have a wide range of outdoor adventures and sports for campers to participate in. Some even provide options that allow campers chose their own daily activities. Depending on location, campers are enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, rafting , rock climbing, horse packing, surfing, and more.

When choosing a fitness camp for your child, consider whether the doctrine and procedures and methods of the camp will be a good match with your child's desires and needs. Weight loss may camps also have the opportunity to help young people develop interpersonal skills that can have a lifelong impact. Most good weight loss camps have an educational bent.

And remember to check out the camp's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and child care authorities. Try to obtain personal references and not just website or printed brochures. Whether you personally visit the facility or not, do a gut check and see if you get a sense of trust, support and solid experience.

A true measure of a successful camp experience is whether the weight loss, and the habits and skills learned become long-term if not permanent. Only time will tell.