Weight Loss Retreats and Boot Camps

Angela Rogers
Among all of the weight loss techniques, perhaps the most enjoyable is the weight loss resort. Less enjoyable but probably as effective are the “boot camps” currently advertised and springing up all over the world. These organizations provide a place for overweight individuals who do not seem able to lose weight effectively in their home environment and who need the structure, support and regimen that such places provide.

Weight loss resorts are truly for the more “well-heeled” part of the overweight population. These are expensive “spa-like” environments, with luxurious accommodations, including first-class rooms, beautiful dining areas, pools, saunas, exercise rooms, massage centers and highly individualized treatment. Guests are put through a regimen of evaluation to determine healthy weight loss and individualized techniques and methods are developed to achieve their goals. Personal trainers, dieticians and exercise specialists are available to each individual, in addition to the group activities and counseling sessions. There is a significant amount of education as well, so that the dieter leaves with a plan for weight maintenance for life. Some studies indicate that the rate of recurrence is a bit higher than average, because patients generally live a more lavish lifestyle. Health insurance does not cover such treatment, aside from the small amount of care usually given by a physician and perhaps some of the counseling. Length of stays can go up to 3-4 months at a time, and this gets pretty pricey.


Weight loss boot camps were first begun for overweight children. They involve strict dietary regimen, lots of physical exercise and activity, and counseling to change habits and lifestyles. A great deal of education usually occurs at these camps, as well, and they usually occur during the summer months. More recently, there are boarding schools that also offer weight loss exercise programs, however, these are very expensive and only the truly affluent can afford them. Weight loss “boot camps” are now available for adults as well. These are far less lavish than the “resorts,” and the cost is accordingly lower as well. Some employers allow sick leave for longer term employees, because the continuation of obesity in the workplace translates into higher absenteeism and less productivity.

Weight loss resorts and boot camps certainly offer a structure environment in which the loss is all but guaranteed, becauseof the regimen involved. There simply is not the opportunity to overeat, and “fat foods” are not available. The key to their long-term success, however, is the quality of the educational and counseling programs, so that diet and exercise habits are changed for a lifetime.

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