With childhood obesity rates on the rise, weight loss camps have become increasingly popular. Once referred to as "fat camps," weight loss camps provide overweight children with a chance to have fun and lose weight in a supportive environment. In addition to traditional weight loss camps for children, there are other alternatives available to both children and adults. For Mississippi residents looking to lose weight and learn healthy eating habits there are a number of options available.
What Is a Weight Loss Camp?
Traditional weight loss camps are sleepaway camps that provide young people with a healthy and supportive environment where the focus is to lose weight and learn healthier eating habits. While weight loss camps have existed for a number of years, weight loss reality television shows have brought the camps some additional popularity, and a planned television series will focus on teens at a weight loss camp.
Benefits of Attending a Weight Loss Camp
A 2002 study published in the scientific journal "Nature," looked at the psychological effects that attending a weight loss camp had on overweight adolescents. While the adolescents did lose weight, the study showed that some of the biggest benefits might have been in the mindsets of the participants. After attending a weight loss camp, the youth found less dissatisfaction with their body shape and saw an overall increase in their self esteem, especially when it came to physical appearance and athletic ability.
What to Look For in a Weight Loss Camp
Weight loss camps are located across the country. Mississippi has its own weight loss camps, but finding the right camp might be about more than just the distance the camp is from your home. There are a number of factors you should take into consideration when choosing a weight loss camp for your child. Camps should be accredited by the American Camping Association. They should serve quality food in the correct portions. You can get a better feel for a camp by meeting with the camp's director or speaking with other parents whose children have attended the camp. Don't be afraid to ask the director about her hiring procedures and the number of qualified staff she has on hand. Above all, make sure your child is comfortable with attending the camp.
Cost of a Weight Loss Camp
Weight loss camps generally cost more than traditional summer camps as a result of their special programs. In addition to the cost of the camp, you should keep in mind traveling costs for any camps that are outside of Mississippi. General prices for weight loss camps range from $1,000 up to $3,000 per week, as of 2010. Since one week is not usually enough time for children to meet their weight loss goals and learn new eating habits, most weight loss camps offer their program in multi-week sessions. Depending on the camp and the program, these range from two week sessions to nine week sessions.
Financing a Weight Loss Camp Session
Some weight loss camps will accept health insurance to cover a portion of the cost of camp stay. Usually your health insurance will only cover the cost of attending a weight loss camp if it was prescribed by a physician.You should check with your health insurance provider to see which costs associated with a weight loss camp they would cover. Many weight loss camps offer loans to help cover the cost of attending the camp. Additionally, a part of the cost of attending a weight loss camp may be tax deductible if the camp stay was prescribed by a physician.
Who Can Attend Weight Loss Camp
Each weight loss camp has its own rules about the ages of campers. In general they range from a low of 11 up to 25 years of age. While weight loss camps are geared toward children, similar programs are available for adults looking to lose weight in a supportive environment. These are often called weight loss spas or weight loss resorts, but follow a similar program to those used by weight loss camps.
Alternatives to Weight Loss Camp
If the cost of attending a weight loss camp is beyond your budget or you are simply looking for a different alternative to losing weight, there are other options such as The Mississippi Against Obesity Foundation, which runs a clinic in Jackson offering participants special weight loss sessions in a spa-like atmosphere. Other weight loss centers can be found across the state. Check with your local physician or local hospital for referrals to other programs and clinics.
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