by Sandie Vista

Created on: November 03, 2007

I have really enjoyed watching some of the fat camp episodes on the discovery and health channels. I have not seen or heard of one camper who didn't benefit from being with others who had the same goal. Even when there is a sabotage amongst them selling candy bars or junk food, the craving is stifled by other campers who are also on the same mission to loose weight.

I have a granddaughter I would love to send to weight loss camp but we just can not afford it. I know she would love it. Sure at first it is intimidating to be in such a huge group of people but no more than any other camp. I would feel worse sending her to a camp where all the skinny kids could eat what ever they wanted because this puts undo pressure on her at only 15.

I would want my sweet granddaughter to be with others who can support her and help her achieve her goals. I can not think of one negative thing about joining in with others of the same age and same issues as your's. What environment could be better than this?

While watching these shows I have seen how even a small amount of weight loss can build a desire within these kids to continue their journey to the new you once at home. The sadness that they feel the very first time they step on the scale and the realization of just how out of control their eating habits are is disheartening but short lived. The first time they weigh in after two weeks of enjoying healthy meals and lots of great group sports or fun exercise and see they have lost weight is priceless. The joy they feel and the excitement to loose more is so overwhelmingly wonderful.

I would never send my granddaughter to a camp for weight loss with adults to loose weight. If it is not a camp for just kids I would not sign up. The idea that kids can support each other is the key to why these camps work so well. Putting a child in an adult setting is just plain wrong and can be traumatizing. I am all for weight loss camps for over weight children.

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