As the epidemic of youth obesity continues to grow in the United States, summer weight loss camps for teens and young adults have become not only popular but a lifeline for these children. Often the first introduction that children have to healthy eating and proper exercise to obtain a healthy lifestyle, summer weight loss camps can be found in many areas of the country, including the coastal California region around San Francisco.
Weight Loss
As implied by the name, the primary goal of most summer weight loss camps is for adolescents who enroll to lose a significant amount of weight over the summer months. Successful weight loss camps use a combination of diet, which is based on sound nutrition, and exercise that increases in intensity as ability increases to achieve up to 80 lbs. or more of weight loss.
Behavior Change
A reputable summer weight loss camp will want to ensure that students have the necessary coping skills to maintain the healthy nutrition and exercise habits that are learned and practiced during the summer months. Behavioral counseling several times a week helps campers to change their attitudes toward food and exercise and learn to adopt a positive lifestyle. Venerable institutions such as Wellspring offer a full-range of success support options.
Activity
The area around San Francisco is perfect for engaging in surfing and water sports in the ocean, as well as mountain biking and hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. The activities encourage campers to see exercise as fun and enjoyable. With perfect weather and options ranging from water sports to mountain activities, every camper can discover a favorite exercise.
Academics
Many weight loss camps will offer academic counseling to assist adolescents in catching up or excelling in academic work. This is an important part of improving a young person's self-esteem, which will add to the student's overall well-being and ability to succeed in conquering weight loss. Coursework may even be individualized depending on the particular program.
Improved Overall Health
Obesity in adolescents and teens has been linked to a whole host of health issues. Shorter life span, depression, and increased risk of suicide have all be attributed to obesity. Health issues include diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and fatty liver. Summer weight loss camps can help to reverse and eliminate many of the health problems and allow teens to lead a healthy, active life.
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