Signs on the Road to Weight-Loss Camp

Some children en route to summer camp are hoping for more than a good time. Their goal is to return home a shadow of their former selves.

Critics say weight-loss camps for youth promise too much too fast with too little emphasis on long-term strategies. Proponents say the concentrated emphasis on weight-loss strategies, healthy menus and sensible exercise can be just the boost an overweight child’s needs to get and stay slim.

Here, two experts suggest points to ponder:

Dr. Clifford Rubin, Beverly Hills pediatrician; UCLA clinical associate professor of pediatrics

“I encourage kids to go. Most are good camps with good supervision. Peer pressure at these camps is useful. But when they come home, (many) kids gain back the weight and about 10% more.

“Parents are the ones who need the education. They need to obtain nutrition education and not buy junk food. Once parents learn how to eat nutritiously, they can work with their children. Those are the parents who are successful (in helping their children lose weight)--those who take the time to learn about nutrition.

“After camp, visit your own pediatrician for follow-up advice about nutrition and a weight check. That way you can nip (the weight problem) in the bud.”

Dr. Ross Miller, attending pediatrician, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

“I’ve never sent a kid to obesity camp. (A) better (route) is behavior modification. I also believe in close follow-up. I have obese kids return every month. I have kids keep a food diary. The way to change kids’ behavior is positive reinforcement.

“Parents’ money and time might be better spent by weekly consultations with a dietitian, nutritionist or psychologist or medical supervision on a weekly basis through the summer.

“For extreme situations where obesity might have medical consequences, there might be a role for weight-loss camps. First I would ask the parents, ‘Is this a lifelong weight problem?’ I would look to see if the child is obese and short or obese and tall. It might be a hormonal problem. How are kids treated because of their obesity? Is the child picked last for sports teams? Does it cause depression?”