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Things to Consider While Researching Fat Camps

By blogger | March 5, 2010

Modern weight loss camps for kids are a far cry away from the old fat camp. These are nothing to be afraid about and can actually do your child a whole lot of good. These weight loss camps are designed to educate overweight children so that they understand how to make their lives healthier. While they are not a ‘quick cure’ for weight issues, they are however a great long term solution for weight loss. Weight loss camps are a fantastic way of learning how to change your life for the better.

Parents that are considering sending their child to summer fat camps often struggle with the final decision. Admittedly, sending your child away to get help with their weight loss takes power away from the parents and is a way of them saying “I give up. I need help.” Although this is a difficult decision to make, it can be the best thing for your family. Certainly, parents are able to learn the things that they need to and eventually can help their children get on the right track, but that takes a lot of time that many parents simply don’t have. There is nothing wrong with leaving it to professionals who have years of experience working with kids just like yours.

While you’re doing some research online for the camp that best meets your needs, keep in mind some of the following things:

1. Check to see that their philosophy is one of healthy weight loss. This seems obvious, but make sure you’re not sending your child to an “old school” mentality “fat camp.” The camp should offer plenty of healthful food choices that will provide your child with all the vitamins and nutrients they need and will not leave them hungry. Get some samples of the a daily menu and make sure it includes plenty of vegetables and fruit, lean protein, non-fat dairy and whole grains.

2. Also make sure that the exercises the weight loss camps does are fun. Many adults will force themselves to go to the gym even though it’s boring. However kids need to have fun when exercising. In order to encourage them to lose weight they need to be doing something enjoyable. The more fun they find the exercises; the more likely they will be able to lose weight. They might even be able to suggest how you can change your own exercise regime to make it more interesting.

3. It is also important to find a camp that sets realistic goals and objectives for he summer. It is important to remember that children lose weight differently than adults and need to set goals with that in mind. A number of kids “grow in” to their healthy weights more than they shed pounds like adults do. Thus, if you find a camp that guarantees your child will lose a certain percentage of their body weight or will return home skinny, consider these things red flags.

4. Finally, look to see what kind of emotional support the camp provides. Being overweight or obese can be very tough on your child’s emotional well-being and you may not even be aware of some of the emotional scars that your child has. You want to find a camp where you child will be supported and will have a chance to build their self-esteem – improving their emotional and physical health at one time.

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