You have heard of fat camps. A bunch of overweight teens gather together with the common goal of losing weight. Then, as soon as they arrive, they are succumbed to a drill sergeant who will be there for an extended period of time to ensure that the kids lose weight. This old idea of fat camps has many people looking for positive options for their overweight teen cringing at the thought of any of the weight loss camps geared toward children. The truth is that fat camps and weight loss camps are two entirely different platforms with very different results.

Fat camps, often referred to as boot camps are camps where kids can go to shed a few pounds. Once they arrive, they are put on extremely strict diets, high intensity exercise programs and are diligently monitored for progress. The kids normally have weigh-ins, spend the day hiking, and eating only small portions during the day. Do they work? Yes, BUT they only work while the child is confined and under the often strict influence of the counselors and instructors. The children that attend these fat camps or fitness camps are not being given any life skills that will help them experience long-term weight loss. Worse, some of the tactics are belittling and bullying in an attempt to shame children for being overweight.

Weight loss camps on the other hand are carefully planned programs. Participants can attend the camps for long or short periods of time. The instruction is blended with plenty of education about the life skills your child will need to not just lose weight, but to remain healthy. The kids learn about issues such as self-control, self-discipline and learn the truths about nutrition and their body’s needs. Infused with these lessons are real life tactics they can use to be in control of their weight loss and their bodies. When the weight loss camp is over, the child is sent home with plenty of support, education, and tools to help them should they become misdirected. Essentially, the biggest difference between fat camps and weight loss camps is that weight loss camps act as a steady foundation of health while fat camps are like a ‘quick, fast diet campaign.’ Which would you rather your child to attend?

At some point in your child’s life, they will have to take responsibility for their body and their choices in life. Weight loss camps allow them to do so, and allow them to make positive and long lasting changes. It comes down to the old adage “when you know better, you do better!” For many teens, they just don’t know any better and live in homes with unhealthy parents or have emotional problems that are going undetected. The weight loss camps that are successful offer a full array of services so that your child is treated like an individual and given valuable life resources.

You would think in this day and age that the traditional ‘fat camps'; would no longer exist. Sadly, they do. Parents need to make good choices when it comes to helping their child lose weight. If you think your child would benefit from a weight loss camp, then conduct thorough research to ensure that the one you choose is more than just boot camp for overweight kids. The differences between the two are often made clear by the long term outcome based data that a camp has to offer. Before you enroll your child, make sure you take a look at these results so you know you are making the right choice.