| Fitness and nutrition expert, Tracey Redford | | | | by the words, "fat camp" which simply means a |
| of Curves International says, "The inactivity | | | | place where children of all ages can get fit, |
| among young people can not be blamed solely | | | | learn about nutritional balance and have fun |
| on the evolution of Internet technology and | | | | doing so. Getting to participate in sports, |
| television in itself. Child obesity has lead | | | | crafts, and making make new friends while |
| to a number of other health related issues | | | | achieving weight loss in a nurturing |
| such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and | | | | environment provides a positive alternative |
| heart disease from the combination of | | | | for kids, and can pave the way to combat |
| improper nutrition and lack of exercise." | | | | obesity. |
| | | | |
| Redford went on to say, "We live in a complex | | | | The ultimate goal is sustainable healthy |
| society where children of all ages have to | | | | weight loss |
| contend with social issues such as | | | | |
| depression, violence and divorce all having a | | | | When children feel they have no options, they |
| downward spiraling affect both physically and | | | | continue on the same path of poor eating |
| emotionally. The psychological impact this | | | | habits leading to a state of helplessness. |
| has on our youth's triggers an imbalance in | | | | Sending a child to a gym where they feel |
| eating habits and leads to a lack of | | | | isolated and eventually lose motivation is |
| motivation creating a domino effect." | | | | not the solution either. Redford explains, |
| | | | "We need far better choices if we want our |
| A summer camp experience with weight loss | | | | youth's to get on track and stay on track. |
| benefits | | | | Weight loss camps for pre-teens and teenagers |
| | | | are a viable solution." |
| Last year in Canada alone the government | | | | |
| spent over $2 billion on medical procedures | | | | What exactly is a weight loss camp? It's |
| surrounding obesity. No matter how many times | | | | about building a better self-image and self |
| we read about or see it on the news, children | | | | esteem while promoting health and wellness |
| still do not understand the connection | | | | with individualized programs geared to weight |
| between eating, exercise and a healthy body. | | | | loss that yields long term results. This is |
| Rather than pointing fingers and placing | | | | the foundation of the whole weight loss |
| blame, we need more resources and programs | | | | summer camp experience. A nutritionist |
| that can be offered such as summer camp | | | | designs an appropriate menu enabling campers |
| programs specializing in weight loss. These | | | | to lose the weight and provide the necessary |
| camps are sometimes referred to as "fat | | | | tools to keep the weight off upon returning |
| camps" for young children and teens to guide | | | | home from camp. Understanding that the |
| them and educate them on making good healthy | | | | parent's role is crucial in encouraging |
| choices. | | | | proper weight control for their children, the |
| | | | camps provide access to a network of |
| Children and parents shouldn't be turned off | | | | nutritionist across the country. |