Methods Used at Weight Loss Camps for Women: What to Expect at Your Weight Loss Retreat
Obesity is a leading public health problem in the United States. More than 68% of Americans are overweight or obese, and many of those seek to become healthier by attending weight loss camps for women. People who attend camps instead of weight loss programs are more likely to achieve their weight loss goals. Spending time at a weight loss resort, surrounded by other people working to achieve goals, increases the likelihood of losing weight and increases the average weight lost overall. The methods used at weight loss facilities can vary widely and there also many different types of weight loss camps. This guide will outline several of the most prevalent methods used at weight loss camps.
1) Nutrition Monitoring and Education
Almost all camps for women employ a nutritionist to design a menu for the weight loss program in a way that will restrict calories and fat. Although “fat farms” of the past have focused on extremely restrictive diets, modern camps focus on balanced nutrition. Nutrition monitoring is one of the most important methods that a weight loss retreat can implement to get campers started on a path to better health. In addition to camp-wide meal planning, certified nutritionists and nutrition counselors instruct campers on the number of calories and nutrients they should ideally consume. Once campers have balanced their essential nutrients, some symptoms of underlying conditions, such as anemia or osteoporosis, can be alleviated. Teaching campers how to maintain a healthy weight once they return home is a major focus of nutrition education at any camp.
2) Adventure-Style Outings
Many overweight women report that they have trouble exercising because they find physical activity to be a chore. Camps for women that offer excursion-style activities seek to combat boredom by introducing physical activity that appeals to the adventurous side of campers. Adventure-style outings can include horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, or trail walks, and can most often be found at a weight loss resort with a rustic, “dude ranch” theme.
3) Extreme Exercise Regimens
Once a very popular method at weight loss camps, extreme exercise is one of the least common methods used within weight loss programs today. Most camps that advocate extreme exercise regimens are boot-camp-style retreats. These boot camps can be residential or day camp programs, and some operate only as a weight loss program. Extreme exercise regimens endeavor to challenge campers through extensive cardiovascular training, agility training, and large numbers of repetitions within a weight training routine. Whether you choose a day program or a boot camp weight loss retreat, their grueling routines are not for the faint of heart or the morbidly obese. Many boot-camp-style camps require a physician’s release before you can participate in the military-style drills and exercises that help campers to strengthen mental resolve while melting away the pounds.
4) Medical Supervision
For the morbidly obese, or those with underlying medical problems, a program that offers medical supervision may be ideal. Medical supervision methods help overweight campers to lose weight safely while under the strict supervision of a number of medical professionals, ranging from primary care doctors to cardiologists and psychiatrists who specialize in assisting overweight patients achieve weight loss goals. Exhaustive diagnostic tests are performed upon arrival at such a camp and each camper relies on a specialized team of professionals assembled to address his or her unique health and weight loss needs. Medical supervision methods include lab tests, complete physical and psychological evaluations, a consideration of the patient’s medical history, as well as consultations with select specialists.
5) Yoga
Yoga has been used to connect the mind, body, and spirit since ancient times. Many women-only weight loss camps put the calming and balancing attributes of yoga to good use in the setting of a resort.
For many campers, the idea of spending time away to tackle a large weight loss goal creates tension and anxiety. Regular yoga practice can soothe the minds of campers and calm anxiety while providing a physical exercise that helps to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Weight loss camps using yoga as a primary method for relaxation and spiritual wellbeing are often called weight loss resorts or retreats. These facilities are usually located in areas known for having relaxing environments and use the resort’s surroundings to further calm the campers. While it may seem that relaxation is not a necessary component of a weight loss program, stress increases the likelihood of weight gain, so learning to let go of tension and anxiety is important for campers who wish to keep the weight off permanently.
6) Coaching for Weight Loss Success
A crucial component for weight loss success is coaching and education so that campers learn to maintain their weight loss once they return home. Educational programs can include nutritional education, cooking classes, psychological therapy to conquer emotional eating triggers, and group therapy to combat feelings of isolation and address each camper’s unique fears. Life coaches strive to teach campers how to adopt healthy habits in place of overeating and other destructive behaviors. Fitness trainers focus on teaching campers new and exciting routines that they will enjoy enough to continue practicing once they get home. Therapists are also sometimes employed to help the family members of an overweight camper learn to adapt to the camper’s new lifestyle goals and become supportive of long-term changes.
Now that you understand the methods, you’re ready to pick from our list of the 5 best weight loss camps in the US.
