Fat Camp FAQs
What is a fat camp?
A fat camp is a summer camp where young people who are overweight go to try and shed some extra pounds. When fat camps first began decades ago, the programs were extreme and ineffective. Most consisted of a significantly reduced daily caloric intake (as low as 400 - 600 calories) and intense levels of aerobic activity.
Do fat camps work?
No, old-style fat camps do not work. While fat camps may have achieved some short-term successes (most campers did lose weight at camp), few campers enjoyed any long-term benefits and most regained any weight they'd lost at the camp. In fact, long-term results from fat camps were so dismal that few even exist anymore. Whereas before there were hundreds across the United States, today there are only 15 to 20 still in business. Fortunately, they have been replaced by more modern fit camps.
Is there really a difference between a fat camp and a fit camp?
Yes! And the differences are significant!
While fat camps focus primarily on weight loss, fit camps focus on a child's overall fitness and health. This means your child will learn the importance of good nutrition and physical activity and how to change the habits that led to his weight issues. Fit camps offer a long-term solution because the focus is on helping the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.
How much do fit camps cost?
Most fit camps and weight-loss camps cost, on average, $650-$1,000 per week depending on the types of facilities and services they provide.
What does my money pay for?
The program cost includes the highly trained staff of nutritionists, personal trainers, and counselors, as well as the cost of food, fitness facilities, and camp maintenance.
Are they safe?
The fat camps of old were not especially safe. The low-calorie/high-physical activity regimen can be too much of a shock for some people, both physically and emotionally. Today's fit camps and weight-loss camps, however, are very safe. Meals are carefully planned to provide the optimum nutrition needed to support high levels of physical activity. Kids are not expected to take extreme measures to lose weight, and in fact they are discouraged from doing so because the staff at these camps knows the best way to physical fitness is through appropriate levels of nutrition and exercise. Kids also receive plenty of counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy to adapt to their changing bodies and lifestyles.
What should my child take to fit camp?
Clothing appropriate for summer weather wherever the camp is located, workout clothes, basic toiletries, tennis shoes, and a water bottle are the basics for any fit camp. Specifics will depend on the camp. Some will require kids to bring bedding, towels, and other personal items. The camp your child is attending will be able to provide you with a complete list.
What does a typical day at a fit camp look like?
Though the specifics will vary from camp to camp, they'll all start with a good breakfast. Some may have the kids do a simple calisthenics workout before breakfast, to get the metabolism going. Most days will consist of nutritional lessons, cooking classes, outdoor activities, some free time, and maybe a field trip. Some camps also schedule counseling sessions to help kids work through issues that may have led to their weight challenges. Detailed schedules can be obtained from the camps.
