When children have any kind of a physical difference from other children, the sad fact of the matter is that they may be subject to teasing.  Kids can be very unkind, and teasing someone who looks different is something that’s common on every playground around the world.  When a child is overweight, that teasing can be difficult to take.

When kids are really young, they don’t seem affected by teasing, but it isn’t very long before they understand and their feelings get hurt.  Worse, teasing and being made fun of is something that can scar kids emotionally and leave emotional wounds that take a lifetime to heal.

An overweight child may not have any idea of how to lose weight, and if you bring up the subject of a weight loss camp, they may be teased about being sent to a fat camp.  However, if you decide to send them to camp, focus on all the fun aspects of it.  The days of an extreme and tough “fat camp” is long gone, and has  been replaced by places that have unusual and exciting activities.

If a child can get excited about camp, they’ll be able to learn things about nutrition and fitness that will last them a lifetime.  And just as beneficial, they’ll be surrounded by people who are trained to help them with their individual concerns and issues.

Also, kids will benefit by being around other kids who are going through exactly the same thing.  They’ll be able to get support and help other kids themselves, and that can be a great boost for their self-esteem and self-confidence.  They may even learn how to cope with teasing, and the emotional damage may finally be repaired.