1. Good Weight Loss Camps Do Exist
The large selection of weight loss camps, including girls-only programs, camps with academic credits and programs for college-age participants, means you're likely to find a good fit. Many programs offer excellent benefits, working with teens to improve their health and lose weight safely and naturally. Look for review of the weight loss camps for teens you're considering, and ask to read success stories from past attendees.
2. Typical Programs Combine Fun Outdoor Exercise With Good Nutrition
Be wary of any program with a singular approach; for example, one that overly emphasizes low-fat eating without sufficiently addressing exercise. The best programs should have a multi-faceted approach, working with attendees on their physical fitness, nutrition and emotional health in relation to being overweight. Look for certified nutritionists, physical fitness trainers and qualified counselors on staff to meet the campers' needs.
3. The Best Weight Loss Camps Personalize the Program
No cookie cutter approach works for everyone, so find a program that personalize the regime based on the individual strengths and weaknesses of each teen in the weight loss camp. If your teen needs motivation in a particular area, make sure the camp can provide this during his stay. If the camp expects all attendees to conform to a strict program without assessing each person's capabilities, keep searching. It's important that the program be as best a fit as possible.
4. Long-Term Effectiveness Varies
The best weight-loss camps focus on helping teens make effective changes that will last long after they leave the program. Some camps involve the whole family in activities at the conclusion of the program, in order to help facilitate good diet and exercise in the teenager's home. Ask to see stats about long-term effectiveness of the weight loss camps you look into, and find out how they define success.
5. Weight Loss Camps Aren't for Everyone
If your teen is adamant about not going to a "fat camp," don't be hard on her. There is a lot of social pressure felt by overweight teens, and weight loss camps might not appeal to your child. If your son refuses to go to a program you want him to try, ask him to look for one he'd consider. Sometimes, allowing a teen to take initiative will turn it into a successful venture. In the end though, don't build up resentment by forcing a teen to go to a weight loss camp. After all, it will only "work" if she's ready for it.
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