The irreverent animated series South Park mocked fat camps in the episode "Fat Camp" - but it also captured some of the past failures of "fat camp" - a place where food was restricted and exercise forced, but no behavioral change was brought about in the overweight campers.

Those of you who watch SouthPark know that Cartman is often mocked for his weight - the cartoon boy is obese. In the "Fat Camp" episode he is forced to go to the camp, where he makes a deal with a kid at a drug rehab next door to smuggle in food, which he sells to the other kids at the fat camp. Disappointed parents bring home their still-fat kids and decide fat camp doesn't work.

The reality is these old-style fat camps don't work.

New weight loss camps have been developed in recent years that forego the overly restrictive diet and excessive exercise of fat camps in favor of a healthy, well-balanced diet that allows kids to lose weight without being miserably hungry and offer activities that are fun enough to encourage the child to embrace an active lifestyle.

Parents should look carefully if they are considering one of these camps this summer. Review the clinical program, qualifications of the directors and staff, and the healthiness of the diet (is it approved by the American Diabetic Association or other reputable organizations).

We know why fat camps don't work - so take care when choosing a weight loss camp for your child's summer adventure in health.

Labels: fat camp, weight loss camps