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 Fortunately, they have been replaced by more modern weight loss camps.
Is there really a difference between fat camp and weight loss camp?
Yes! And the differences are significant!
While fat camps focus primarily on weight loss through extreme means, weight loss 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. Weight loss camps that are scientific in nature and report their weight loss, like those developed by Wellspring offer the best long-term solution because the focus is on helping the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.
How much do weight loss camps or fat camps cost?
Most weight loss camps or fat camps cost, on average, $1,500 – 2,000 per week depending on the types of facilities and services they provide.
What does my money pay for?
The program cost includes nutritionists, personal trainers, and counselors, as well as the cost of food, fitness facilities, and camp maintenance. Some fat camps portend to be weight loss camps, but the value for the price varies greatly. Be sure to ask if employees are year-round, if programs are small enough for directors to know everyone, if results are published, if the weight loss camp is scientific in nature, and if any behavioral change components are integral to the program.
Are they safe?
The fat camps of old were not especially safe. The low-calorie teen diet/high-physical activity regimen can be too much of a shock for some people, both physically and emotionally. Today's weight loss camps, however, are very safe as they use valued weight loss for teens. 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 weight loss 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 weight loss 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 weight loss camp look like?
Though the specifics will vary from camp to camp, they'll all start with a good breakfast an important part of a teen diet. 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.
Wellspring Camps and Academies
