Weight loss camps are destination for children and teenagers looking to lose weight. Starting in the 1960s, "fat camps" have undergone an overhaul, changing their methods to focus more on healthy weight loss techniques and less on extreme methods solely for cosmetic reasons. While "fat camps" can be effective in helping campers lose weight, finding the right camp is an important part of the process.
Beginning
While summer camps for children began as early as 1860, it took another 100 years for the first "fat camp" to appear in 1963. Camp Napanoch in Napanoch, New York was the first weight loss camp. However, camp Napanoch went out of business three years later. Despite this, weight loss camps began to spread, mainly throughout the northeast. By 1988, there were 84 camps, mostly in areas surrounding New York City, according to Fat Camps, a website offering information on weight loss camps.
Early Weight Loss Camps
Early weight loss camps focused on losing weight as quickly as possible. These camps were comprised of young women who wanted to lose weight for appearance and not for health concerns. These camps often used extreme methods for losing weight, such as very low calorie diets. Fat camps became less popular in the 1970s for several reasons. One of these factors was that women were beginning to concentrate less on appearance and more on careers. In addition, because these camps did not use healthy weight loss methods, many of the campers gained all the weight back once they left camp, notes Fat Camp.
Today
There are currently only about 15 to 20 weight loss camps out of 10,000 summer camps, according to Fat Camp. These camps are a complete reversal from the fat camps of old. They focus strictly on helping children lower their weight to reduce their risk of health problems. They do this by changing both eating and lifestyle habits. This includes learning about nutrition and proper dieting and teaching physical fitness.
Fit Camp
There has been a shift in camps from "fat camps" to "fit camps," according to Fat Camps. Camps have begun to base their methods on science and not simply severely limiting calories and forcing children to do excessive amounts of exercise. An example is Wellsprings Camps, a camp with 12 locations, which has leaders in the obesity field on its advisory board. Campers are responsible for recording their food intake and exercise. Most importantly, they are taught how to eat properly and not to rely on another person. Wellspring also offers aftercare in which counselors remain in contact with campers in the months following camp, to ensure healthy habits remain intact. Wellsprings is just one example of the improvement in "fat camps."
Choosing the Right Camp
Weight loss camps can be an effective way of losing weight. When choosing a camp, make sure it is focused on long-term diet and lifestyle changes. Each camp offers different activities, experiences and atmospheres. Therefore, research carefully to find the right fit for each camper.
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