A weight loss camp, also known as a weight loss resort, retreat, or holiday, is a type of residential program where people who are overweight or obese go to lose weight through exercise and lifestyle changes. In common parlance the term "fat camp" is also often used (either humorously or with intended harm) to refer to these programs. Weight loss camps typically provide nutrition classes, weekly weigh-ins, and a variety of classes and activities designed for weight loss.
The goal of the camps is to enhance the health of the campers, raise their self-confidence and self-image, as well as teach them healthy life skills and choices. These camps provide weight-loss results of two to five pounds per week on average. However the more overweight the camper, the more they generally lose in these programs. The effectiveness of these summer camps varies widely and usually depends on the quality of the individual program and biochemistry of the attending campers.
Newer programs not only focus on weight loss, but also on changing behavior through a combination of training on self-regulatory behaviors and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to ensure that weight loss persists long after campers return home. Most experts believe these are key elements of an effective program.
A number of weight loss camps are currently in operation in the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. These camps vary greatly in terms of the methods used and outcomes (both long-term and short-term) experienced by campers. Some attendees experience long-term changes in health and physical fitness, while others gradually or immediately go back to overeating. One of the main determining factors appears to be support from other family members and friends.
In an effort to help maintain post-camp weight loss, some camps now offer more one-on-one training as a way to educate and motivate long-term success.
Famous quotes containing the words weight, loss and/or camp:
“I falter where I firmly trod,
And falling with my weight of cares
Upon the great world’s altar-stairs
That slope thro’ darkness up to God,”
—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)
“Bad company is as instructive as licentiousness. One makes up for the loss of one’s innocence with the loss of one’s prejudices.”
—Denis Diderot (1713–1784)
“Rosalynn said, “Jimmy, if we could only get Prime Minister Begin and President Sadat up here on this mountain for a few days, I believe they might consider how they could prevent another war between their countries.” That gave me the idea, and a few weeks later, I invited both men to join me for a series of private talks. In September 1978, they both came to Camp David.”
—Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.)