Teen Weight Loss Camps In Texas

The latest teen shows, Internet social media outlets and texting are all valid reasons why American teens are able to stay in and still be in the know of what's going on. It should be no surprise then when America finds its youth unhealthy and in many cases, overweight. For the state of Texas, this fact is no exception. According to the Texas Children's Hospital, "Forty percent of children are overweight or obese. ... In Houston, 36.2 percent of children ages 6 to 17 are overweight. Within this population, 19.2 percent are obese."

Benefits

As many adults can testify, being overweight is more than just a physical condition, it's a learned pattern. In homes where there are overweight parents, the children have a higher chance at becoming overweight as well because they have firsthand experience at eating high calorie foods followed by little to no exercise.

Weight loss camps are the perfect way to end the cycle of obesity that seems to be plaguing today's youth. "Weight loss camps employ a nutritionist and culinary instructor that work with the kids. ... Personal trainers are on staff as well, helping to develop exercise plans based on their fitness levels and interests. In addition, the most effective of these weight loss programs have trained counselors that meet with the kids to help them identify any emotional or psychological issues that are at the root of their weight problems."

Types

WellSpring Texas is a weight loss camp located in San Marcos, Texas. The program boasts that it's "an amazing effective and fun weight loss summer camp for children and adolescents." Participants at the camp are expected to lose on average, around four pounds a week. These results are accomplished by WellSpring's scientific method that is designed to promote weight loss both in and out of the program.

Open to children ages 11 to 18, parents can choose to have their child attend a four-, six-, eight- or 10-week session. The estimated cost for a teen wanting to attend an eight week session tuition is $9,490 as of September 2010. With the possible help of insurance and the program's loan option, the monthly cost is $144. This weight loss camp is open to the visits of family members and offers "continual care" to participants after the program has ended to ensure a continuation in successful eating and exercise choices.

Misconceptions

A weight loss camp doesn't have to be a one-time experience. Teens who attend a summer session are often encouraged to re-enroll not only to continue their success in a structured environment, but to encourage new teens who are trying the program for the first time.

Warnings

Family Doctor, an online website maintained by medical professionals, warns that, "Eating disorders usually start in the teens but may begin as early as age 8."
Be proactive and talk to your teen about their weight, find out how they really feel about themselves and how you can help them avoid dangerous methods to be thinner. You never know if a weight loss camp is the investment that could save your child from a lifetime of weight management struggles.

Considerations

If your teen is wanting a change of scenery but you know that they need a weight loss summer program experience, then sending them outside of Texas may be an option.

New Image Camp in Pennsylvania could be the perfect compromise. New Image has a camping facility at Pocono Trails Pennsylvania that offers free air fare for all participants staying four weeks or more.

A five-week tuition is estimated at $6,290 as of September 2010 and the camp is open to kids ages 7 to 19. New Image Camp has been featured on MTV in a two-hour documentary that chartered the success of a summer participant. The program is confident that your teen will not only lose weight and keep it off, but that they will have the self-esteem and knowledge to enjoy the teenage life they always dreamed of.