Fat Camps
01/04/22 • 59 min
15 Listeners
How America's oldest fat camp — and the inspiration for Disney’s "Heavyweights" — became the symbol of a health intervention that enjoys worldwide popularity despite no evidence that it improves anyone's health.
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Links!
- The Epic Family Feud Behind an Iconic American Weight-Loss Camp for Kids
- Two teenagers placed in foster care after weight loss plan fails
- Calls to set up fat camps for obese children in Scotland
- Childhood obesity: are new treatment centres the solution?Weight-loss Camps and Their Effect on Childhood Obesity
- Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth
- Inside Britain’s First Ever Residential “Fat Camp”
- Working at Camp Shane: Employee Reviews
- Missing campers, falsified documents and other issues revealed in CT weight-loss camp investigation
- Kids Weight Loss Camp That Closed Has History of Violations
- Weighty Problems by Laura Backstrom
- The Actually Terrible Things that Happen at Fat Camp
How America's oldest fat camp — and the inspiration for Disney’s "Heavyweights" — became the symbol of a health intervention that enjoys worldwide popularity despite no evidence that it improves anyone's health.
Support us:
Links!
- The Epic Family Feud Behind an Iconic American Weight-Loss Camp for Kids
- Two teenagers placed in foster care after weight loss plan fails
- Calls to set up fat camps for obese children in Scotland
- Childhood obesity: are new treatment centres the solution?Weight-loss Camps and Their Effect on Childhood Obesity
- Psychosocial outcomes in a weight loss camp for overweight youth
- Inside Britain’s First Ever Residential “Fat Camp”
- Working at Camp Shane: Employee Reviews
- Missing campers, falsified documents and other issues revealed in CT weight-loss camp investigation
- Kids Weight Loss Camp That Closed Has History of Violations
- Weighty Problems by Laura Backstrom
- The Actually Terrible Things that Happen at Fat Camp
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Maintenance Phase - Fat Camps
Transcript Summary
In this thought-provoking episode titled "Fat Camps," the podcast explores the controversial world of fat camps and their detrimental effects. Camp Shane, a well-known weight loss camp, abruptly closed after 53 years, sparking questions about their operations. Former employees reported psychological trauma, while campers experienced self-harm, eating disorders, and sexual abuse. Research on fat camps primarily focuses on short-term weight loss, neglecting long-term effects and camper experiences. The hosts discuss the moralizing around weight and parenting, shedding light on the limited information people have. Fat camps are described as short-term residential programs that emphasize intensive exercise and calorie restriction. The camp's founder, Selma Ettenberg, employed restrictive diets and strict rules for campers but maintained a separate room with unlimited food for herself and thin counselors, highlighting a double standard. Campers were subjected to regular weigh-ins, measurements, and uncomfortable photographs. David, Selma's son, eventually bought the camp and faced ongoing conflicts with his mother. Despite its popularity, Camp Shane faced investigations and allegations of financial misconduct. The podcast raises concerns about the detrimental effects of fat camps and questions their long-term effectiveness, advocating for a more individualized and comprehensive approach to health and well-being. With compelling anecdotes and insightful analysis, this episode challenges societal attitudes towards weight and offers a critical examination of the fat camp industry.
Transcript
Michael: Welcome to Maintenance Phase, the podcast that would never take you out of where you're comfortable and make you feel bad about yourself.
Aubrey: Oh, I like it.
Michael: Because we're nice.
Aubrey: We are nice. I'm Audrey Gordon.
Michael: I'm Michael Hobbes.
Aubrey: This month, if you join our Patreon, your bonus episode will be our first ever annual Gr
Fat Camps Top Questions Answered
Are weight loss camps effective for treating obesity?
Weight loss camps have limited effectiveness, with some studies showing no weight change.
Are interventions for weight loss backed by sufficient evidence?
Many interventions lack evidence and are often funded by industries selling the interventions.
Is short-term weight loss easy to achieve?
Short-term weight loss is relatively easy, but long-term effectiveness is often unproven.
What causes obesity?
The causes and origins of obesity are still not fully understood.
Do fat camps adequately address the needs of children?
Fat camps may not adequately screen participants or address individual needs.
Are fat camps depicted negatively in documentaries?
Documentaries like MTV's "Fat Camp" depict harmful social dynamics and bullying in fat camps.
How do fat camps affect self-esteem?
Self-esteem may temporarily increase at fat camps, but the reasons behind it are unclear.
Did Camp Shane face issues and controversies?
Camp Shane faced numerous issues and controversies, including allegations of self-harm, eating disorders, and psychological trauma.
How much does it cost to attend a fat camp?
The cost of fat camps ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on location and duration.
Do children regain weight after attending fat camps?
Studies have shown that many campers regain significant amounts of weight after attending fat camps.
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