Determining the Effectiveness of Weight Loss Summer Camps and Weight Loss Spas
Many children and teens attend weight loss camps over the summer with the goal to lose weight and have fun. Most campers have a positive experience at the program and are happy to report weight loss resulting from a healthier diet, smaller portion sizes, and increased activity.
The differences between quality weight loss camps from less effective weight loss camps is not only the facilities, food and staff, but whether the camp experience leads to long-term behavioral change. Short term weight loss is easy when a child is in a controlled environment. But, without true behavioral change, the weight will come right back.
This is why long terms effects are only achieved when weight loss summer camps organize their programs around truly changing behavior. An overall clinical design to teach new behaviors and habits should include sports, activities and diet. A core element of many clinical programs is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Since it is unlikely that a child's behavior will change completely over the summer, weight loss camps should provide follow-up or after-care programs. By involving families towards the end of the camp experience, they can attempt to change the environment to which the child is returning.
Think about these questions if you're considering a weight loss camp for the summer: What's the clinical program like? What long-term behavioral changes does the program strive to achieve? Who designed the clinical program? Who monitors the effectiveness of the program? What after-care program is included? How are families involved? Also ask to see outcome data (blinded data is acceptable).