Time to Get Rid of the Stigma Around Weight Loss Camps

Weight loss camps or even the horribly named "Fat Camps" carry a tremendous amount of negative stigma. The industry for years prided itself on "fixing" what they believed was wrong with kids who were struggling with their weight. This outdated ideology typically left kids with more questions than answers after their summer at camp. Sure, kids left camp at a lower weight, but at what cost? Having been miserable for six weeks while simultaneously starving themselves on a completely unsustainable diet. This methodology meant success was judged solely on the basis of pounds lost on a scale.

This ideology is extremely flawed and does not set up campers for sustained success upon returning home. At Camp New Heights, we are determined to change this stigma because that ideology is outdated and should be put out to pasture. We've taken a completely different approach to the weight loss camp space. Our goal is to give our campers the skills, tools, and knowledge to be able to thrive upon returning home. We have designed our program to be a fun and interactive experience that empowers the camper rather than prescribes them things. Our ultimate goal is to have campers connect the dots between eating well and feeling well.

How We Do Things Differently:

1. No weigh-ins. Campers may weigh themselves privately on Sundays if they choose, but there is no requirement to track weight at any point.

2. No before-and-after photos. We understand the anxiety of arriving at camp and immediately being asked to take swimsuit photos while strangers measure your waist. That’s a hard no from us.

3. No prescribed meals. Instead of rigid meal plans, we provide a template: a protein, a single serving of carbs, and the rest of the plate filled with dark leafy greens. This allows for countless combinations, giving campers control over their food choices—an essential skill for maintaining healthy habits at home.

4. Nutrition education. Campers learn about macronutrients and micronutrients to make informed choices. Simply handing them a plate and saying, “Eat this, it’s good for you,” teaches nothing. We want our campers to develop the knowledge to navigate grocery stores, dining halls, cafeterias, and restaurants confidently.

5. No strict calorie counting or limits. Our campers do not go to bed hungry. They get their first plate of food, then wait 25 minutes to assess whether they’re still hungry. If they choose to eat more, they must incorporate fruits and vegetables to help them feel full. This approach helps them recognize true hunger cues and build a healthier relationship with food.

   
   

The Bigger Picture:

Our goal is to help campers connect the dots between eating well and feeling good. When they experience how great they can feel and what they’re physically capable of, they gain the foundation for a truly healthy lifestyle.

Traditional weight loss camps marketed themselves with promises like “Come here and lose X pounds.” While that may appeal to those focused on quick results, it often fails to instill sustainable habits. Many of these camps simply restricted calories, cut out all salt, and pushed kids to exercise all day. While this led to rapid weight loss, it often did more harm than good.

I witnessed this firsthand at a traditional "fat camp." The first weigh-in would often show dramatic losses 10–15 pounds in a week, due to water weight from salt restriction. The second week, despite working harder in workouts, campers would lose only 2–3 pounds. Without education on how their bodies were responding, they would assume they were eating too much. This misunderstanding often led to disordered eating patterns and negative relationships with food.

The old model of weight loss camps is outdated and needs to end. At Camp New Heights, we take a more progressive and holistic approach, one that prioritizes long-term health over short-term weight loss. We're not here to "fix" kids, we're here to empower campers to live their best and most fulfilling life.