Fat camp

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A fat camp is a slang term for a type of program where overweight and obese children and teenagers are sent during the summer to lose weight. The effectiveness of these summer camps varies widely and usually depends on the quality of the individual program and biochemistry of the attending campers.

Today "fat camp" is more gently referred to as a fitness and weight-loss camp. The term itself is used in an affectionate way by the campers. The unique environment allows a comfortability that often does not exist outside of the camp. These camps often provide decent weight-loss results, on average, two to six pounds per week.

What sets apart a fat camp from any other ordinary camp is that it typically provides nutrition classes, weekly weigh-ins, and many more aerobic-based classes. It's a healthy way for kids to lose weight without even noticing that their calories are being restricted because they're having fun.

Day by day more camps are opening, few have been around for more than a decade. Camp Kingsmont is the oldest camp owned by a former camper. Their focus is on a comprehensive "lifestyle change" allowing greater success after camp.

More recent programs, such as Wellspring Camps and Camp Balanza are scientifically-based and clinical. They help participants change in their behavior so weight loss will continue at home. Behavioral change is accomplished through training and cognitive-behavioral therapy, for which insurance reimbursement is possible.

[edit] In pop culture

There have been a number of recent mainstream media pieces regarding fat camp:

There is a band that goes by the name Fat Camp.
There was a South Park episode where Cartman, one of the characters of the show, goes to a fat camp.
There are books that deal with fat camp as a theme.
Several fat camps have been featured on television, including New Image Camp, Camp Shane, Camp La Jolla and Camp Kingsmont.
In 1995, a film called Heavyweights was released, starring Ben Stiller, about a summer adventure at fat camp.