The number of Americans ages 12 to 19 who can be officially classed as being overweight has trebled over the past two decades, figures from the Office of the Surgeon General show. Though some cases of teenage obesity can be attributed to hormones and other genetic factors, most occur as a result of lifestyle issues, namely poor diet and a lack of physical exercise.
In addition to helping address the immediate problem of obesity, the numerous weight-loss camps for teens located in Florida help youngsters change their lifestyle for the better and therefore keep the weight off.
Activities
As with adult fitness camps, sports and other physical activities play a central role in helping teens hit their weight-loss targets. However, in teen-centered camps, there is a greater focus on fun and diversity in order to keep youngsters motivated and engaged. Team sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball and field hockey are commonplace, while some camps offer water sports.
Additionally, teen camps will also offer a range of fitness classes. As an example, New Image Camp in Florida offers teen campers aerobics, weight training and kick-boxing classes, as well as other less-strenuous yet healthy activities such as nature hikes and horse riding.
On long residential camps, teens are also likely to be encouraged to take part in social events such as talent shows and arts and craft nights, with this serving to boost their self-confidence while keeping their time away from home fun.
Residential Camps
Most weight-loss camps aim to help teens change their attitude toward food and exercise and so a long stay, rather than a quick fix, is usually most common, with camps across Florida offering a range of lengthier programs over the summer holidays.
New Image Camp Vanguard runs programs ranging from just six days to six weeks, while the Pritikin Family Camp claims that its President's Fitness Challenge will help overweight teens lose as much as 10 lbs. and adjust their lifestyles after two weeks. Alternatively, Wellspring Florida offers four-, six- and eight-week summer programs as well as a two-week fall program.
Regimes
Fitness and weight-loss camps tend to vary in their attitude to how teens' families can help them reach their targets. For instance, some camps may actively discourage contact between a camper and his family for the duration of the stay, believing that total immersion in a program is the key to success.
Alternatively, others take the opposite view. For example, the Wellspring Florida camp strongly encourages family visits, particularly over the weekends, when parents can take their children away for a night should they wish. Similarly, the Pritikin Family Camp in Aventura, Florida, welcomes both adults and teens and works to help the whole family shed weight and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Benefits
Far from just offering a short-term weight-loss fix, modern camps are geared toward offering teens a range of longer-term benefits. As such, sports and other healthy activities tend to emphasize discipline, camaraderie and self-confidence as well as physical well being. Additionally, most camps aim to teach teens how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, such as through offering classes on nutrition and home cooking.
Considerations
The safety and well being of their guests is a primary concern for all reputable teen weight-loss camps in Florida. Camp Vanguard, for example, has a full-time nursing staff and an on-site infirmary open 24/7, while activities at Wellspring Florida are overseen by a supervisory board of doctors and other health professionals. That said, it's always a good idea to check with your own family doctor before signing up for a program, particularly if you or your child is severely overweight.
Additionally, you may want to consider what time of year you want to attend a weight-loss camp. Summer in Florida is hot and dry, making exercise and outdoors activities extra demanding, though ultimately more rewarding.
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