The best weight loss camps recognize that weight management is a complex behavioral and biological struggle complicated by the fact that today's teens have a lot of freedom in determining their own lifestyles. A quality clinical program provides young people with the right tools to manage their weight successfully and resist the "toxic" or "obesogenic" temptations in their world. Our modern lifestyle tends to encourage sedentary activities (TV and computers) and quick meals that make kids prone to gaining weight.
The time to act is now. Research shows that overweight children are likely to become more and more overweight, and that overweight teens are seventeen times more likely than their peers to become obese adults. Although many studies show that overweight teenagers often face social and psychological challenges, it does not take a study to prove to parents that their overweight children are often targets of teasing and bullying. The psychological effects of such teasing can last a lifetime.
The health risks associated with being overweight are well documented and include cardiovascular, orthopaedic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, hormonal, neurological, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Research involving adults shows that even modest weight loss (a decrease of less than 10%) can produce beneficial health effects and that the heaviest people benefit most from modest weight loss. Camps like Wellspring Camps use Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy to teach students behaviors that have been proven by research to sustain weight loss permanently. Wellspring's therapists, called "behavioral coaches," work with campers to overcome barriers to mastering these behaviors.
Many campers will take to these behaviors like fish to water. Others will have emotional or psychological issues to address and overcome before they can be successful. By meeting at least four times each week with Wellspring therapists, campers can become master weight controllers. This process is facilitated by the ongoing weight loss, which improves self–esteem, body image, energy and general willingness to engage in the Clinical Program.
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