Are weight loss camps appropriate for children under 10?

No

6 of 11

by Cj Casuto

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Weight loss camps are completely inappropriate for children under the age of 10. How can we, as a society, expect persons so young to understand the concepts associated with appearance in our society? Why do we want to indoctrinate them at such a young age to the theory that fat is bad and thin is desireable? Children at 10 years old or younger should have a very simple life mission. They should wake up, go to school, learn, eat, sleep, play and enjoy life. There are many, many, years down the road for them to fill their lives full of discontentment, sadness and disharmony related to weight. At this age, in fact, weight issues might merely be related to a pre-pubescent state that could be easily overcome with a natural growth spurt and exercise.
A great many youngsters do overeat. A great many youngsters are not in good physical shape. With video games, television shows, movies and computers so prevalent in the world, it is only natural that persons find a sedentary life ideal. People as a whole, not just children, spend too much time doing nothing. We all need to get away from those activities that lock us into an inactive, lazy lifestyle. As Billy Blanks, creator of Tae Bo would say, we "need to get moving." However, being overweight at ten does not mean a lifetime destiny of obesity or the need to be shipped off to a fat camp. Sending children to fat camp at such a tender age sends a clear message. The message is not a good or positive one. It says to these children that there is something wrong with them that needs to be corrected. It sends them to an environment where they are surrounded by other "defective" children who have all been shipped away in the hope of making them right. Children at this age should not feel like they have been sent away to be "fixed."
Yes, shows like the Biggest Loser have documented success stories. Sending persons to these television camps, with trainers and controlled diets have promoted weight loss. However, the great majority of participants in these shows have suffered life-long weight problems. They have tried every other avenue available to them and have had no luck. Often, their weight issues have precipitated health issues. So, going to these camps is a last ditched effort to make a life-long problem right. For children at ten, such camps should only be used as the last resort. Parents should not jump to shipping off their children as the first recourse to perceived obesity. For children of this age, there are numerous alternatives to losing weight that have nothing to do with camp. Options include, but should not be limited to the following:
1) Enroll the child in sports. These kids can try softball, basketball, volleyball, hiking, or track. Getting active can help the weight melt off.
2) Get the child involved in scouting. These groups provide the same camaraderie as camp, without the negative connotation. Plus, they promote healthy activities the kids can participate in together and enjoy.
3) Do activities with kids that promote movement and getting outdoors. Go to the zoo. Walk around and see the animals. Go to a park that has hiking trails and walk through nature.
4) See a nutritionist. Get a diet that works well for the child and promotes healthy eating.
5) Get a gym membership. Starting workouts at a young age can help promote a lifetime of fitness.
6) Buy a tandem bike. Go biking together on weekends or after school.
7) Go to parks that have paddle boats. Spend a day paddling on the water. It's a great workout and fun for everyone.
8) Put a limit on time allowed for sedentary activities. Limit computer time, television time, time for video games, etc.
9) Create family meal times that do not involve fast food or take out. Have healthy home cooked meals that include salads, fruits, vegetables and protein.
10) Talk to your children about staying active, about the link between healthy eating, being active and a healthy life.

Ten is a far too young and tender age to send a child off to a camp that essentially tells them they are being sent away to be fixed. The child is simply too young to understand the deeper ramifications of the message, though psychologically, it could create pain. Bein sent away might actually feel like a punishment. The campl might have the opposite effect, upset the child and send them to food for comfort. There are far too many other alternatives that should be examined first. Before sending the child away, try other options. Everyone will be better off and happier for having tried other avenues that yield the same result.

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