A summer camp for childhood obesity in Thailand

J Med Assoc Thai. 1995 May;78(5):238-46.

Abstract

The results of a 4-week summer camp for childhood obesity were reported. Twenty-one children with moderate to severe obesity, aged between 8-13 years, joined the program. Dietary restriction during the official hours and dietary self-control at home were implemented throughout the program. Exercise, swimming and group therapy were also implemented throughout the program. Weekly sight-seeing outside the camp was very interesting for the participants. After the program, all participants had lost weight which was about 5 per cent of their initial weight. Most of the weight loss was due to loss of body fat but not lean body mass. No complications occurred during the program. The 4-week summer camp is then practical for initiating weight loss for obese children. Long-term follow-up which is underway will be reported later.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Camping*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Thailand
  • Weight Loss