Inside America's Biggest Fat Camp: Fighting the US Teen Obesity Crisis | Fat Camps Documentary

There are 14 million obese teenagers in the USA, four times more than 30 years ago. But for those who can afford it, there’s a solution. Camp Pocono, two hours away from New York, is the biggest fat camp in the country. Every summer, 400 children are sent there and put through a tightly regimented routine, a strict diet and gruelling sessions of cardio. We follow some of them during their three month stay there. Will the camp meet all their expectations?
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[@elizabethgrant1155]

If you can pay 7000 dollars to send your kid to camp, you can afford to send your daughter to a therapist... especially if she says she has most of the symptoms of a depressive disorder.

[@imalrockme]

I was thinking you could also pay a personal healthy/macrobiotic/no bull shit chef, that could teach you how to shop for food and prepare meals.

[@lilybliblablubb5023]

They're paying 7k and there's no psychologist, no individual sport program, no individual cooking/food. Just an insane amount of drill sports no one can keep up after camp. This is like the recipe for failure

[@DonMarzzoni]

I can save 7k and do everything they just did at this camp😂 at 500 kid's they make 3.5 mil. It's all about the money

[@jill-vo7ru]

This camp is a money grab, they should be getting so much more out of it than this. They probably pay those camp counselors like shit too

[@whydoncha]

This camp is been around for decades. I remember the MTV documentary in the early 2000’s so they must being doing something right. They should spring for some therapy though, just seems like a no brainer.

[@DonMarzzoni]

@@whydoncha they aren't doing anything right except profiting off vulnerability of families

[@imalrockme]

@@DonMarzzoni Well, I think one of the most important things in that camp is that no fast food/candy is allowed on campus. Which none of the family houses where the kids come from, can provide.

[@Dwoalin]

Amanda's mother putting blame on HER for her gaining weight is absolutely terrible.

[@lavalampluva55401]

Ramen Noodles!!?? It's ALL salt!!!!!

[@HLT23456]

Unfortunately I feel like it’s more common nowadays for parents to blame their kids for being obese even though they have the power over what their kids consume. My mother did the same thing to me growing up. One second she would be the one to buy us fast food and junk to eat then the next she would say to me “You’re becoming obese! You need to lose weight!”

[@tcrouch51322]

Horrible!

[@agt_24]

Amanda’s mom was hammered out of her mind in that call.

[@valerie362]

Yes, she's horrible! I know my kids weight is my fault. Even as they go into their teens. They can't grocery shop, order fast food, etc. It's completely on me. They've also inherited food addiction from my husband and me. We're addressing the psychological issues first

[@lisaharward2572]

That call where the mom tells the daughter she needs to come home because she's gained weight with her not there! How dare she dump that responsibility on her daughter! That's so damaging and not her responsibility!

[@OURWORLD4EVER]

Exactly, what a bad parenting move to do especially since she is struggling with a life problem.

[@konye618]

Really disgusting behavior from that Mom. Like she could have been exercising on her own

[@tashdash5241]

Total child parentification, your kids shouldn't be your go-to confidant, particularly in a situation where she has 0 control or ability to do anything. That mum needs a friend, better yet a therapist!

[@skylineXpert]

Pure cartmanian behaviour

[@samiraba1]

That's were the roles reverse, not fair...

[@silverdoe9477]

Disgusting how they bully each other at camp, it's like they've finally found an equal ground but use it to gain power against others.

[@user-hw9yf2wn4v]

It's no big deal. Kids will be kids. However, the parents need to give them more training.

[@silverdoe9477]

@@user-hw9yf2wn4v No big deal? Many of these young kids have been bullied to the point of depression, something that absolutely contributes to their eating disorders which is over eating. I was in a similar situation when I was a kid, got bullied & then flipped the coin & was severely anorexic for 10 years. It’s a real issue.

[@maidahaltrecht6577]

I can't understand why they bullied Will. What was it about him that they should behave that way. They should have all been there for each other.

[@teijaflink2226]

Maybe they noticed he had low self confidence (he seemed depressed too) so was an easy target. He seemed nice though.

[@rebeccaagholor9622]

There's always a hierarchy anywhere you go. Fat camp is a place where severely bullied people can finally take out their frustrations and attain that "feel good" emotion!

[@cloudyns]

Poor little girl it broke my heart seeing her have to deal with her mother. "When I go back i'll help you i've learned how to do things" if that isn't the sweetest thing ever. Her mother needs to stop treating her like an adult laying her responsibilities on her.

[@cloudyns]

@@latestvideos7226 Your grammar made me unable to understand.

[@leonardoives674]

Amanda's mom is abusive and narcissistic. She calls her because she misses her mother as any child would after weeks away, and her mother immediately blames Amanda for her own weight gain while Amanda has been away and doing better? Wtf.

[@aoife1655]

The root of the problem is food, not the lack of exercise. The camp focuses on these intense drills that none of these kids are gonna keep up when they get back, most of them have literally never worked out in their lives. They need to focus on actual nutritional education and most importantly portion control, something the kids will actually take back with them. It’s literally setting them up for failure. The exercises should be low impact and something that they would actually continue when they leave. Making them hate working out is gonna make the issue worse. These people aren’t gonna make any impact.

[@junpinedajr.8699]

Exactly my opinion and observations my good person.AMERICAN FOOD CULTURE IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF ALL THESE.UNLESS THESE CHANGES,THSE PROBLEMS WOULD GO ON A VICIOUS CYCLE.

[@atreg9414]

In my opinion, the intense exercise is necessary to get fast result and keep them motivated. These kids are young and energetic yet do not have the discipline like an adult. They easily goes side track (demotivated) if it took too long to see result. The camp workout was conducted in group, they have funs while working out with fellows camper. I myself from obesity background in the past, tried all kind of diet paleo, keto, intermittent fasting you name it and none of if work at all as i couldn't resist the temptation of high calories foods in long run and ofcos demotivated along the line when dont see much good result. Only when i got involved with high intensity workout (2 session a day, morning and evening), somehow i was motivated to follow proper diet and keep away junk food for quite awhile until i achieved my ideal weight. The craving for junk food has disappeared after each workout, not sure how but it happened and probably is due to extreme fatique? anyhow, its served me well to control my diet that way.

[@FullMetalJesus84]

Yeah. Problem is that most of these programs are started by people that have never really had weight issues. They have no clue how exhausting and demotivating intense exercise regimes are while the person is obese. Of course it is not sustainable for the vast majority of people with weight issues

[@deerheart87]

I think it’s both

[@rhiannamatchen2690]

These kids do need intense exercise and a focus on nutrition aswell as mental health. Too many people are lazy and lower their standards. Not to mention as you get in better shape you start to enjoy intense exercise. I know I do with my regular kickboxing & dance classes & I used to be obese too.

[@gaia1723]

For 7k they should have a child psychiatrist on the grounds that meets with the kids and teens to discuss the mental part of their weight gain. No one comes out the womb obese and usually it’s an event or multiple that causes these gains. If the campers were able to understand the root of this disease they could fight it better and keep it off. Not to mention a lot of them are dealing with depression and other mental struggles. And they should have counseling sessions with the parents because a lot of the parents are overweight themselves and brought that unhealthy relationship with food into their homes which their kids learned. It’s weird to me how the camp is completely ignoring that. Also they have these kids doing day to day activities and hard workouts which they’re not going to do when they leave. They literally will not have time to do all that when they have school.They’re not teaching them how to make their own meals and portion control which is so important. Most of weight loss is food, working out is more about building strength and toning your muscles it’s a part of weight loss but they really should be focusing on food. At a normal camp having meals given to you makes sense but the whole point of this camp is to help them loose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle which makes it counterproductive. A lot of this should be changed tbh

[@Jeweleye62]

They do. You are not privy to those sessions.

[@estoesplena101]

Very good points but because the video did not show a psychologist or mental health therapies doesn't there aren't one, we don't know for sure.

[@jaggirl]

That's taking away from their profits though. It's all about the money. Business as usual. There is no money in curing mental health issues. But maybe they do, and we just don't know. But it would be a good thing to mention. We don't need to be privy to any sessions.

[@jkk20]

its a scam.. 7k per person sure sounds like a cash grab. seriously,its sick to prey upon losers of society. but hey,murica am i right?!?!?!?

[@cloudyns]

@@jkk20 7k for 3 months of housing, food, training, and use of resources is not a lot. Reasonable to be honest.

[@JayAntoinette]

I feel for Jaelyn, she was the only one who actually wanted to be there but didn't get to finish her time at camp. I hope her and her mother are doing well.

[@simp2234]

Maybe 🍔

[@erickfalck]

They should send the parents to camp, not the kids. The parents have ALL THE FAULT!

[@hannie.haneul]

I agree. The parents should learn healthy cooking or at least portion size.

[@positivelyrachel5102]

As someone who was overweight as a child, I definitely would not say it is all the parents fault. Especially for these TEENS. Parents have some influence and could do more but def not ALL on them

[@erickfalck]

@@positivelyrachel5102 as someone who was also overweight I have to disagree. Im pretty sure that most of those kids have overweight parents since they were born eating junk food since babies. I'm not saying that is imposible for them to be healthy but definetly more difficult for them if we compare it o a "normal" size kid and family. Cheers! ;)

[@Kiyoone]

YEP. That is why so many kids grow and just keep bouncing on those camps without results, just spending money.

[@John-jc4om]

They should send the parents to jail if you ask me

[@jlu3ai]

I'm only 10 minutes in, but does nobody see, that those parents are the same or even worse than their kids? They need a to have a change together, otherwise it will be a constant struggle for the whole family, one trying to be on the healthy side and the rest is still in obesity land. And about genes: yes that is given, but there is also the behaviour that can also influence the final result. And the behaviour comes from the parents as well. God, I'm so angry, seeing these kids go down the drain because the ignorant parents. Not to mention that we are living in the information age when knowledge is literally in everyone's pocket...

[@TheAngryDoctor92]

it is also the age of misinformation

[@rebekahvarney2378]

I mean.... Habbits don't form out of no where. But yeah I believe it's pointless trying to educate parents, it's the children who will make the difference for a better future for everyone.

[@insearchof9903]

The camp owner doesn't care...the bad habits bring in the money...money money moneyyyy....moneeey

[@danthovict381]

And when they finished their camp and return home. Their parents will give them the same food as before lol

[@MyDuckSaysFucc]

It’s because they don’t cook. Or if they do, it’s crap. Parents are the ones buying the groceries, it all starts with them and this crazy exercise regime is just demotivating and painful. They need an educational nutrition camp for parents and kids. Not this.

[@daniellenichols9757]

The mom who gained weight while daughter was at camp has SERIOUS codependency issues and seeing these kids panic because they're away from home is a major generational shock. I'm a Gen X'er and I raised 3 millennials and 1 gen Z and I didn't behave this way and neither did my kids. I was happy to get away from my mom "parents" and my kids were too. You must instill a sense of strength and cut the damn cord already.

[@user-zy4wv7yx1z]

Right horrible. That mom needs to work on her emotional maturity asap and stop putting her CHILD into the role of caretaker.

[@MarnieGolde7]

Agree! I would not be surprised if that poor baby’s lack of self-worth and poor eating habits weren’t directly related to this.

[@agt_24]

She was also completely drunk off her ass. That was not the call of a sober woman. It makes it worse in my opinion but all these comments are burying the lead here.

[@namehere4954]

Unless you acknowledge and heal trauma, it is passed down generationally. Sometimes it's blatantly obvious, as this case, but most are subtle patterns. ALL humans have trauma and need to address it.

[@minja7777]

They should've send the bulliers back to home with no refund. Unacceptable that this pricey place tolerates bullying

[@Choc_Souffle]

Exactly!!!!!I can't wrap around the fact that bullying exists in such a camp!!!

[@TheRealfan1]

If someone would have committed suicide because of that, there would have been a lawsuit by parents where place may have to get shut down because of costs.

[@Ludendorf01]

Will is so emotionally intelligent and sensitive in how he expresses himself. He just needs someone to give him some support and be a role model for him and he will be a future leader.

[@chadtomriddle4786]

I relate to Will the most

[@cloudyns]

Future leader is a big stretch. Will either had no father figure or a weak one. Due to his tourettes and the bullying he was probably nurtured way too much from his parents. I mean he's 20 and they're spending 7k+ for something he can do at home. He was never taught how to handle situations and pressure. How to have a strong will and mind-set. That's why he's weak and hopefully he gets better.

[@cloudyns]

@@will9455 That's great man and hopefully you're much better now. I grew up in a different culture were things like bullying and having a weak mind-set was not an option or thing. More focused on survival like food, clothing, work. Therefore it's very hard to relate sometimes or understand. I apologize if I came off rude.

[@Picachki]

@@will9455 Remember you’re a work in progress. We all are! :) You can do it. (Edit: Oh no! I just saw you got bullied. I’m so sorry that happened. It’s best to be around people who appreciate you for you. I hope you are finding that.)

[@Embrinna]

I feel bad for Amanda. How could her mother depends on her daughter about her gaining weight!? Amanda looks stressed and confused about her mother's wellbeing. Her mother should support her and not make her feel responsible for her mother gaining weight. :(

[@mariabristlin7140]

What the fucked up mom is going on? It's disturbing! It's sick! It's America! Welcome

[@tterexx426]

Poor Will. He seemed so reflective and thoughtful about everything, I don't understand why others had a problem with him.

[@natty9112]

When my sister had gained a LOT of weight ( during 2 years of high school)my mum stepped in and when she would make sure there was no junk food in house and whole family had to eat healthy food She got back to healthy weight Food is the most important factor in gaining or loosing weight and family support

[@coldpizza1906]

This camp sets the kids up for failure by not offering nutritionists, dietitians, and therapists. It's not all about losing weight. It's about getting to the root causes like access to healthy food, understanding how to eat, and mental healthcare. These kids go back home to obese parent who don't know how to maintain healthy lifestyles.

[@Tammissa]

It starts at home, parents have to say no to crap foods and lead by example. Many of the parents are overweight to morbidity obese themselves. Why is the mother putting all her weight issues on her daughter over the phone? Who’s the adult? Get a grip, be a parent!

[@msbabycakes001]

I know! That mother seems like she’s a manipulator. Like she almost wants her kid to stay fat so she can hang out with her all the time.

[@786surve]

That was probably the most disgusting thing in this whole documentary. Mother eats like shit, let's daughter do the same, let's the daughter self diagnose herself as depressed then guilt trips her weight gain over the phone.

[@BKBEDSTUY]

You can’t say that it’s offensive. It’s MC Donald’s fault for selling the food…

[@longlostvideos191]

100%

[@pconnolly8533]

@@BKBEDSTUY Is this supposed to be a sarcastic comment? (not trying to start an argument, just also not trying to read into it)

[@cherryontop1137]

I really hate the whole "last meal" tradition. I see it a lot on weight loss shows. I think its a really detrimental mindset, especially for children.

[@mariabristlin7140]

For real though. I'm an addict in recovery n that's exactly what I did before goin into rehab. Same but different

[@Liahs333]

Exactly! Like eating healthy is something that you do for the rest of your life. Not just to lose weight

[@itsmejejune128]

When you eat a lot of junk food your blood sugar spikes hard and crashes REALLY hard the next day. This is why most people who have a last meal end up feeling really sick and binge that night. It is a sabotage.

[@simonferocious868]

The one girl said she couldn't afford a psychiatrist but she can afford over a thousand dollars for fat camp? I think therapy would be a better use of the money. Get to the root of the weight gain, don't just try to lose it. She's only going to gain it back. These camps count on it. They make less money if they teach people how to live outside of camp.

[@kanthikapangkariya6449]

Maybe she could join the camp for free because she agree to be on a documentary.

[@TheUlli1964]

Blame ur country that there is no heathcare for everybody.

[@oncoucharrest5910]

American citizens might actually take better care of themselves if they had access to health care without the concerns of how to pay for it. It’s sad that so many who could use this help will then vote against their own best interests.

[@jessicaa3641]

losing weight often is not the cure for depression or low self esteem

[@oncoucharrest5910]

@@jessicaa3641 no but over eating and self sabotage can be signs of something wrong with mental health

[@ellawrites6614]

Nothing screams an amazing weight loss and management camp like being tossed straight to weights with no proper education or form, being pushed to extreme movement right away, not addressing the emotional food attachments issues + mindset, improper nutrition, not teaching anything about nutrition, not focusing on energy in energy out, applying outdated weight loss methods to a group of hundreds of teens and children with different body compositions and needs 😍😍😍

[@exmachin560]

As a formerly obese teenager I can say that it all comes from your upbringing. What your parents do and eat influences you specially during your childhood/teens. Poor household habits generate more habits. I started changing my life after I graduated college and couldn't be happier. Genetic predisposition isn't all, as long as healthy habits are practiced. Good luck to them all and remember, workouts are only 20% of the whole ordeal l, nutrition is a lot more important.

[@mollybanks5083]

Amanda's mother blaming her child for her weight gain is just.. Why would you even say that especially to a vulnerable child who is having weight issues

[@Lassieandfriends2019]

“You know kids will be kids” is one of my most hated comments to trivialise when kids are bullies. Kids aren’t bullies just because it’s some sort of right of passage. It’s not ok and there is absolutely NO excuse for it. They need tougher penalties and laws against it so that kids know it’s not ok and they won’t get away with it and the bullied child knows they can have something truly done about the problem to stop it. I was a kid and never bullies others and I’ve taught my kids to be kind, accepting, compassion, loving and inclusion of all their peers and other people. I don’t understand why other parents seem incapable of doing that same, though I do understand sometimes the child learns that behaviours from others or does it to “fit in” which has nothing to do with their parents ability to parent in general, I do feel that for the most part, it has a lot to do with how they are brought up.

[@Ghostinaseashell1789]

I feel like it’s a lot of times generational the parents are over weight or obese and they pass down this behavior to their children. Their needs to be therapy for the child and the parents need to take account to their unhealthy behaviors and how it’s affecting their children. Some people are in denial and are ashamed of their behaviors people don’t take lightly to criticism even constructive criticism. I agree with everything you said parents should be held more accountable and these so called fat camps need yo be reformed because kids aren’t going back home and repeating what they learned if it’s not being taught the right way.

[@wertiaaudit5746]

Bullies act out what they experience at home. Punishing the bully while they're getting beat up at home is probably not a good idea plus bullies project like hell on their victims so you don't know whose the real bully . Mean girls on Twitter will bully you in real life when cameras aren't rolling and post on Twitter that you are bullying them and when you react to their bullying by speaking up it makes the victim look like a bully and that will mega fux you up

[@mendingwall3823]

@@wertiaaudit5746 I was severely abused as a child but didn't use that as an excuse to bully others. Being abused at home doesn't give a person a pass, assuming that's what is going on. I doubt most bullies are being beat up at home. Some have everything in life but enjoy hurting others. People have to understand there are consequences for their actions.

[@wertiaaudit5746]

@@mendingwall3823 "as a child" I'm saying bullies could be experiencing homelessness and shit atm

[@TheQuixoteuno]

An obese kid will be a superobese adult and a dead senior. That generation will struggle to gain health.

[@karenashton5053]

The director is a bully. This is a cruel way to force children to lose weight. Teach them how to cook, make good choices, and learn why they overeat not put them in prison.

[@KaliN521]

How is it prison?

[@karenashton5053]

@@KaliN521 maybe I was harsh with prison but not giving the participants freedom of choice is limiting. Plus it seems like such much bullying and stigma attached- I’m overweight and would have hated being locked into an unmanageable routine. You learn little with unreal expectations.

[@TheJeroenbrouwer]

Such a terrible camp. They dont do much teaching about diet and nutrition and just focus on intense exercises they will never do again at home because they will hate the thought of exercise after this. These kids arent in shape and will start to look at exercise like this terrible thing, while if built up properly, its great and fun! And 90% about weightgain is about the diet, and eating food responsibly. But they are just being fed everything, only to go home and they will go straight back to junkfood. And taking the phones away and stuff, ridiculous. Like they are being punished. This will be a negative experience towards weightloss, and most of them will come out like "Ahhhh i can finally eat again!"

[@teijaflink2226]

Right, you can pretty much stay skinny by laying in the bed almost all day if you don't eat much, not saying it's healthy but the exercise should be something that can be managed in your daily life. I think they should have att least been allowed contact more often with their parents, the camp is hard already. I hope they educated them about diet too and it just wasn't shown in the documentary.

[@konye618]

Playing basketball or swimming or zumba are excess exercise?? Their parents are to blame for their level of activity in the house. Every child should be in a sport or form of physical activity

[@LAura-qr2ff]

These camps are daft. They would be so much better having some kind of programme while they live at home, looking at their home environment, what food is in the house, habits, etc. And I agree it is by far about diet not exercise. They would be fine if all the exercise they did was say an hour's walk a day and concentrated on diet instead. They could work out their current calorie level then taper it down until it was say at around 1500 or whatever is the relevant number for each of them to lose 1lb a week. Then teach them to hold it there and get used to that in the last month of camp. I honestly think that would be way more useful.

[@tashdash5241]

This is correct, buts it’s also a step in the right direction. Most of these kids have NEVER played like this in their lives, at least they get a taste of a better kind of normal. Now they know they’ll have fun if they join in on group sports and P-E class. I totally agree that it’s not a long term program.

[@MsNooneinparticular]

Right? Exercise should be fun & eating should be about nourishing your body. They've made exercise a literal bootcamp.

[@MrLudwig101]

That poor girl, you don’t have children to substitute for the friends you do not have, she’s a child!!! She has no choice to listen to your problems or cop the blame of your laziness.

[@v0miiitt]

Ian's so sweet! I'm also 19, and it makes me really want to take my health seriously watching him. I really hope he's still doing well.

[@katiefountain2407]

A child being overweight is completely the parents fault... Children don't buy their own food... The parent should be in this program first.... They should be the ones being shamed.

[@user-hw9yf2wn4v]

Didn't you observe that all the parents are overweight? I am so blessed to have my wife who treats me like a drill sergeant and controls my food portions. I've lost a lot of weight because she buys only healthy foods. No cookies, no grease, no oil, nothing fried, and no desserts. Once a week it's pizza night and she only let's me eat 1/2 a pizza. I get to eat one big wonderful dessert once a month. Wine every day. And she kicks me in the butt out the door every day and I have to go walk 2 miles. With a program like that I lost 40 lbs. and I am keeping all the pounds off.

[@sammyt4822]

school teachers raise most kids. while the parents are at work trying to pay the bills. and how many kids do you have ?

[@aesyamazeli8804]

@@sammyt4822 ??? Teachers don't feed kids. If you are concerned about school lunches you have to ask the principal.

[@Cynnas]

@@sammyt4822 working or not has nothing to do with parenting. Just being a stay at home mom does not mean you're a better parent. 🙄

[@konye618]

@@sammyt4822 teachers are not raising your children. It's parents raising kids. Teachers have 15-30 children in a class, trust me they are not raising anyone

[@afterthestorm221]

Why do we as Americans feel the solution is to send our children away when they're obviously struggling with issues greater than eating. Our children should not know what depression feels like. Sitting at home alone self-diagnosing their mental health symptoms. All the kids in this documentary are extremely courageous and being honest about their issues. 💚

[@bananacake9289]

GGOG Hi 🙋‍♀️ well I am British, 🇬🇧 and we have similar problems like this over here too! (UK)…..however, due to a lack of resources amongst other things, like restricted exercise at school, which is totally opposite to MY own school days! ie netball, cross country etc I just don’t know the answer 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ Many parents here are overweight/obese themselves 😡 so that doesn’t help! We (UK) try healthier school meal campaigns etc etc……but 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ it IS sad when young kids self diagnose!! all the best! from UK 🇬🇧

[@MB-nb7yq]

@@bananacake9289 honestly you’re right. I live in Britain too. Also another problem is that sessions like active kids or sports aren’t encouraged or expensive. A lot of parents think it’s a waste of time since it’s not academics but it’s good for the kids physical and mental health. 🤦🏿‍♀️ It’s sad many people aren’t educated enough.

[@bananacake9289]

@@MB-nb7yq Actually I don’t think it’s all about not being academic enough……sure, studying is important at least when I was young….ie studying for O and A levels back then, but we WANTED to be active, it was encouraged, hence lots of cycling, horse 🐴 riding (ok, the latter not for everyone! Lol) walking, field trips, swimming 🏊‍♀️ etc etc IMO many (not all) people have become lazier and more interested in fast food + social media 🤬 not conducive to being up + about(?) and also I feel this has become a ‘generation thing’….. things have just kind of ground down slowly, 😢 ……..many kids today hardly walk to school 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ never mind anything else very physical!!!…….hence we have growing Diabetes and more health problems?? Perhaps I’m stating the obvious 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️……..it’s quite sad 😞 really……hospitals will carry on filling up prematurely with needless cases of ill health, the countries like uk 🇬🇧 and America 🇺🇸 unable to grasp the severity or, just throwing money in the wrong directions……a bit like putting a sticking plaster over all of it!!!……Maybe we should all bring back Ration Books!! like in the very old days when most folk were healthily fit and slim(?) 🙏🙏🙏🤞🤞🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ Anyway, this is just MY OPINION xx 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@MB-nb7yq]

@Kevin Stone you do realise most people don’t choose be single mums or dads? And considering many of them will sacrifice time with their kids to keep the lights on and the roof over their head is selfish? Ok.

[@bananacake9289]

@Kevin Stone Oh dear 😢 no, that comment is not going to go down well at all……. You sound rather cynical and/or bitter (no offence) ?? Are you speaking from experience perhaps(?) Whatever the case, IMO society has broken down over the decades…. and there is a great lack of self discipline everywhere 😡 which may account for families breaking up, and a complete shift in peoples’ values and priorities… We live in a consumer driven and materialistic world….and in which many people don’t seem to have any real morals and in which it’s often easier to give kids money for MacDonalds, and other similar fast food outlets 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️instead of spending actual time with them …..(just my own opinions) UK 🇬🇧

[@ruddytuesday]

I really like Ian. He deserves to find his way through this.

[@annieridesagain3867]

If I was his age again and he wasn't gay, I would love to go on a date with him.

[@user-zy4wv7yx1z]

At the 30:00 mark, horrendous. That mom is leaning on her child for emotional support, and the child is taking on the role of the parent. You child is your CHILD, not your buddy to unload your drama and troubles on to. Shame on that mom, hopefully she finds some emotional maturity and let's her child be a child.

[@calliehilbert]

Wait your mom isn’t supposed to do that lol I don’t know what parent who doesn’t mine do all the time.

[@Joee003]

@@calliehilbert If you're an adult it's different. I talk with my mom as a friend now, but she's no longer responsible for me as I am in my late twenties. A parent of a child who still depends on them should NOT be using them as emotional support. It's gonna fuck 'em up.

[@JoJo-ie8sl]

I get the tough love aspect--definitely needed when there's no discipline at home--but it seems like a little sensitivity would go a long way. these are kids. you gotta address the issues that led them to get this size, not just go drill sergeant on trying to get the weight off.

[@cameronsweirdnaturechannel]

For sure. It is an issue of addiction as the same parts of the brain are activated as during drug use. Toughness does nothing to prevent or deter problems of addiction or other mental illnesses.

[@donnahoworko5705]

Agree plus what happens when they go home where there isn’t this crazy structure?

[@juanitaschlink2028]

@Mjira Achieng my mum alwse said, you cant eat and cry. These kids are going through emotional shit and eating to get through it. Never underestimate the power of hormones. I hope they come out the other end ok and happy within themselves. X

[@MyDuckSaysFucc]

Facts - forcing an extremely overweight person to exercise the same as an average person will lead to (possibly permanent) spinal/joint damage and even broken bones:

[@maggie0285]

It's not issues. It's simply I eat too much and I need to stop.

[@oncoucharrest5910]

How did these kids end up being obese? Since the obvious answer is their parents, parent or guardian, they should also be at camp to learn the same things. If the kids go home to the same environment then it will be hard for them to implement any of the tools they have learned while at camp. It’s sad how prevalent obesity has become in America. Between sedentary lifestyles and super size fast food it’s not a surprise this is an issue. I wish them all the best. 🙂

[@carolduval8641]

They do have the option of the parents going for a week. They also can get support over the phone after they go home. My son, Will, was featured in this documentary but he didn’t become overweight until he went away to college so it’s not always what the parents feed them.

[@cloudyns]

@@carolduval8641 oh but it definitely contributes. Especially if your parents are obese. Whether you like it or not the way you raised him and fed him food is a big reason as to why a child will become obese. The portions and food you fed that child is something that stays with them whether he's living in your household or away. Parents are definitely a big contribution as to why their children are obese.

[@grapefives7762]

@@cloudyns that's true overall, but when a child goes away to college its different. For the first time in their lives they have control over their diet which often can lead to weight gain

[@cloudyns]

@@grapefives7762 They leave to college and what do they eat? What their parents fed them when they were being raised. If they ate out all the time and greasy junk food the child will proceed to do the same. Except now he has no one to stop him. Of course we can say they're all adults and it's their own decision which is true, but like I said the parents are big factor in a child being obese. When I worked at Mcdonalds I remember seeing some of the nastiest obese parents feeding their obese children food it would make me so sad. "No onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes! He doesn't like them!!" While the parents order is the same. Teaching their children disgusting habits.

[@carolduval8641]

@@cloudyns my children got normal portions of healthy food. My husband and I are not obese and neither were our parents. Were we the perfect parents? No. Could some of our parenting be attributed to the way he began to eat when he left? Sure. It’s a way of self medicating and it breaks my heart. With all the psychiatric and neurological challenges he has, it’s made it a difficult life for him and huge challenge for us to parent him. So, I’ll take some responsibility but it wasn’t the way we fed him.

[@firestara4830]

"This is the biggest camp..." "This is the biggest camp in the world" Ironically the bigger is always better attitude is one of the reasons obesity is rampant in the USA

[@emmiejo68]

This made me laugh 😂😂

[@bananacake9289]

Sadly, Firestar A I have to agree with you! 😢😢 And it’s spread here 🇬🇧 also!! 😡💕💕

[@samdasilva1914]

Totally agree, guessing he found his money pot. Fat kids making him 🤑

[@amandarecoveryjones8216]

i thought i was the only one who noticed this. and the narrator saying "just like jail......"

[@wayward2167]

Ian's charisma is bigger than anything. What a positive and inspiring guy.

[@toni4729]

It would be a hell of lot cheaper if the parents knew what to feed their kids. And what NOT to feed them.

[@sunshinekim3810]

Thisss!!!! Yesssss

[@2cute2fine2you]

This is the worst camp I’ve ever seen for 7k Where are the doctors the constant monitoring of vitals the therapist the nutritionist physical therapist it looks like teens yelling at teens

[@elizabethrentko7938]

I went to this camp from 2007-2014. It was a wild place. Crazy to watch back ag it now. Best thing I learned there was how to run. Their nutrition classes were meh and the 5 hours of sport classes were also meh. Also they changed our diet in like 2012 to 1200 calories for the girls. Wonder if their changed that

[@jisue3517]

Will is a wonderful young man. I hope he keeps going, he has lots of treasures in him- he can be a blessing to other people.

[@DodgaOfficial]

Ian's diabetes has almost cost him a foot, yet there are insane people out there that would tell him his doctor is just fatphobic and that his diabetes has nothing to do with his obesity and that obesity is perfectly normal and healthy.

[@azur3705]

5 deals and 2 snacks a day!, wahou! Like in Europe, they sould get 3 meals a day and One snack for the kids😄😃! ,

[@junpinedajr.8699]

The kid is only 19 years old but looks like he is a homeless 50 year old guy,unkept,dirty looking.really needs to do something about his appearance and weight,he is a long way from his non obese goal.

[@howwelearngrowdaily]

His diet needs to change along with the exercise...the sugar filled diet must change first.

[@5thdimension625]

The level of denial here is so sad to see.

[@samdasilva1914]

@@junpinedajr.8699 he's not a kid, at 19 he is a young adult.

They are only missing the most important aspect: Improving the kids relationship with food. It is not possible, or at least it is much harder to loose and keep the weight off if you don’t identify the cause of distress, that makes the person overeat as a copying mechanism. The thing is more complex than “eat less and exercise more”.

[@maburg713]

So very proud of Xander, Amanda and Ethan!! Well done to them, and to each one of the kids who set a goal for themselves, and achieved it! Really great stuff!!💜🦋🌻🤗

[@UburntTheCheese]

man I really feel for these kids I hope they're doing well especially the ones they focused on here they seem like good people really trying

[@PauseItMF]

This camp sucks, children obesity is the parents fault and responsibility to fix, the camp should be for the parents because they will help put all the weight back on their children.

[@tabitharatchford7404]

I’m large enough to be considered obese. As an adult I have no one to blame but myself. I am working on losing weight and I’ve lost about 12 lbs in the last 3 weeks. That being said, the children in this are not to blame for their extreme weight. Their parents are to blame, because they are the ones deciding what groceries to by and what meals are served to their children. Healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle would have prevented the obesity in most of these kids.

[@elliefields1569]

honestly, I think if these families had a live-in dietician for 3 months, (instead of going away to basically exercise camp) everyone would reap from the benefits. In order for a child to be successful, they need committed parents/families. Quite frankly, it's not entirely the kids' fault parents don't encourage healthier lifestyles. It's a large and unfair responsibility to expect a child without the financial means to buy their own food if their families continue eating unhealthy foods and facilitating an inactive lifestyle. additionally, I think these kids could benefit from therapy...sure, exercise is good for physical health, but poor mental health will lead kids back into their habits (often coping mechanisms).

[@magdalenaosetek5643]

I`m from Poland and I used to be chubby kid, but i was a scout and every summer we had 3 week camp in woods. We built our own beds, we walked 8km to church, we swam in the lake, we helped in kitchen, we had so many games learning about forest, no phones, no shops . I always came back 5-7kg lighter. it is sad for me that they put this kid in the gym when they could lose weight having fun and my god it is sooo expecsive

[@infr3653]

Yes are those camps still functioning?

[@xdlol59]

@@infr3653 yup, you have to be a scout

[@lovelivi1591]

7900.00 for 3 months!? That's robbery

[@karenfitzpatrick6256]

Honestly 7K? In the '90's we took in 2 Fresh Air kids from NYC for a few weeks. We lived on a small farm set back from a dirt road and my 3 kids were about the same age. The kids were outside all day during the day swimming in the pool, in the garden, playing around with the animals horses, chickens, dogs, cats. Or just playing games in the yard. Always within sight but free to actually move around in the summer air! Even taking an old blanket out for picnic lunches. Bonfires most nights. On weekends we always found something to do. Go to a summer event, or lake. Nothing that cost a lot of money just spending time with them. Exactly what we always did when the girls weren't there. We always seemed to have a houseful of the kids friends anyway. Both girls lost weight, got tanned and had tons more energy by the time they went home. We had them, I think, for three summers. It was really great for all of us. Didn't get paid a penny to host them. But loved having them visit. Kids don't need "camps" to lose weight. They need a bunch of safe active things to do. Good food at mealtimes and parents who can supervise them and enjoy their company. We never had desserts, chips or soda around but always fruit and raw vegs anytime. Breakfast , lunch, dinner and light snack an hour or so before bed. And we ALL slept well. Spending hours in front of their phones is so mind numbing and such a waste of time. I know most parents work, but that's no excuse to make sure their kids are supervised then and DO SOMETHING with them when they get home. Take them shopping. Let them help pick out healthy food and then let them help cook it. Not just good for young bodies but for learning to make good choices and building solid relationships too.

[@jenniferwarren9993]

I agree with some of what you are saying but it's important to recognize not everyone has a safe space to let their kids roam and get lots of activity. Not every family has the ability to enjoy weekend activities or even activities in general. You keep saying "We" well who is "We"? Not every family consists of 2 functioning adults. Even if one is functioning chances are they are taking on all the responsibilities of a household and doing most of the work alone. You can want to be there for your child both mentally and physically but if the adult isn't also receiving some type of support then how do they support them and a child. I understand there will always be deficiencies but when it's one parent doing everything it's hard. Maybe I'm reading your tone wrong but from how I read your post it is all look what I did for these kids and its not that hard but you aren't living like these kids are.

[@SimpleModernWoman]

Their obesity and food addiction are generational and will be a challenge to break. The parents are obese and passing on unhealthy eating habits to their kids. As adults, many of us are emotional eaters and oftentimes find childhood foods comforting. These kids were conditioned to be obese, and it will take a supportive environment, willpower, and, for some, therapy to break the cycle.

[@hannahr.3065]

Camp Director seems like a joy to be around...

[@anaispersephone6041]

"all must adhere to the same rules...first to swear allegiance to the American flag" lmfao what kinda rule is this??!!

[@tootmysteamboat2887]

I have always been big. Growing up, I was big but also played sports at school. Eventually at 25, I weighed 375 and just walking became a struggle. The weight enhanced my asthma, my daily physical abilities, high blood pressure. My doctor approved me for weight loss surgery. In order to get approved for surgery, depending on how much you weigh, you have to lose a certain amount of weight on your own. I had to lose 50lbs on my own. Other people who weighed more had to lose 100lbs. This is to prove to the doctor that you are capable of following a strict diet after surgery. I successfully lost the 50lbs in the amount of time the doctor gave. I had my surgery and I now weigh 180lbs. It's an incredible feeling being able to walk up stairs, to walk long and short distances without struggling to breathe, daily activities are far easier, I no longer struggle with my self esteem and I'm not ashamed of my body. I wanted the skin surgery but my doctor said my skin just needs toning, therefore I just need to work out more. My skin doesn't hang or anything. At my biggest, my body wasn't really flabby, probably because I had always played sports most of my life. So now I'm still eating healthy. I love fish, watermelon, blueberries, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, salads, yogurt, tuna, and those were foods that I used to hate. Lol. I just need to focus on defining my arms and stomach since I don't qualify for skin surgery because according to my bariatric doctor, I don't need it. 💪 I hope these kids can be successful. I remember being like them. I never thought I'd get to where I am. A healthy body and mind, is a healthy and happy life. I'd love to have a cheeseburger and fries, just to eat whatever I want and however much I want, but I can't. My surgery has prevented me from doing so. Besides if I ever do decide to get the lap band out of my stomach, I'd still continue to eat healthy and maintain the diet I have stuck with these past few years because I truly enjoy what I eat and how my body functions now.

[@msrealeyes]

I am rooting hard for Jaylynn.

[@jamie9981]

The issue i have with this is a lot of the campers started off with little to no exercise and now they have to do all these activities a day. 20 hours a week of physical activity is a lot especially when you werent doing any just days prior. You dont need to engrain in these young people that that much exercise is what is necessary to stay lean and healthy. that much activity is enough to make anyone exhausted and not want to continue. Exercise and diet plans are not one size fits all. Some there have to lose 30 lbs right next to some needing to lose over 100. Their plans and expectations should be different. This plan is far too rough

[@kaladinstormblessed765]

Fault lies with parents for letting the kids do with as they want. My aunt is a govt nurse and her son is already a puffed popcorn ready to burst. They feed him that so much his speech slurs.

[@PrettyGhostX]

All the parents are overweight themselves so the kids are never gonna make it at home with the same situations as when they leave.

[@heidi.midget9880]

8000 for 500 people is 400,000,00 for 3 months holy shit I'm in the wrong business

[@mannygarcia5904]

When I was a kid, I was pretty over weight. My pops lost 100lbs with me…. I love my parents.

[@maril1379]

Having a child eat whatever they want until they feel sick -What??? Many of the parents are overweight. If they go back to a home environment that is not supportive to weight loss the chance of keeping weight off decreases. Yes don't give child adult problems

[@kellystar6733]

He did the mtv fat camps docs. Unfortunately they don’t teach enough food nutrition facts. The kids on the other docs normally lost in teens after an entire summer of working out.

[@I.Am.RosaMarie]

Yes!! I used to love that show

[@barrylyndon80]

I guess they are doing a good job there, it's more important to get the kids off the couch and nourish them with normal food, than getting to much scientifically.

[@kerrynight3271]

If I remember it correctly, they fed the kids extremely low fat and high carb, which is exactly backward.

[@muishie7210]

Don’t forget Cartoon Network used to have Michelle Obama for the stop bullying and nutrition plan they stop doing that

[@trizahmwangi5020]

I love Xander. He's so mature despite his age.

[@aileenmoore7503]

Jaylynne is gorgeous. She deserves more that this start to her life.

[@chisom343]

What happened to her mom?

[@mareen7321]

Will is such a sweet young man. I wish him all the best

[@deepaganapathy]

We have to bring back the pride in cooking everything fresh. Junk should be made criminal. We know it kills.

[@Texas_Made_]

Pathetic I see grown adults making fun of these young adults,kids are ruthless,we should be the teachers for them,we all been though something in life

[@sarahsimpkins1311]

Yes i agree

[@rottie615]

They’re most likely to be the parents of bullies. Just one vicious cycle. Smh

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

It takes more than just constant exercise and diet change, especially for kids. They need therapy and counseling to get to the root of why they are overeating. Props to this camp, but I think they need counselors or psychiatrists there for every single kid.

[@calliehilbert]

I mean you can tell some of them have some neuro developmental issues whether that’s genetic or other reasons

[@jessicagomez1760]

Will is in the neurodivergent spectrum, he was let down by the whole system, as always, so frustrating to watch, he deserved better.

[@tara2769]

is anyone going to talk about that 7900$? i am freaking out.

[@ProfessorxVile]

"He has made a public health issue into a very serious business" And this is why the fat camp won't actually fix anything... there's no profit in that. They need recidivism, just like the private prisons

[@puprlevocalste7993]

This is the same camp from the MTV documentaries "fat camp" and they still never showed that.

[@ahh-2-ahh]

Ian is such a likable guy. He has a personality of a superstar!!!!

[@linxy8690]

20 hours of exercise per week is crazy. The whole camp is too tough

[@katkid4571]

I love Ian and wills outlook on life

[@fergieingrid2521]

This does seem excessive for kids and its not even adapted according to their age. They are doing it for the money thats all.

[@aleph9006]

This is the same camp they filmed that MTV reality teen show Fat Camp from 2005.

[@zhaohan8581]

The parents could save their money just by doing home exercise. I was once an obese. Then I decided I need too do exercise, I just walking upstairs then go down for about 30 minutes each day. Or even an hour. And it was successful, right know I am currently start too build muscle. Wish me luck. Also sorry for my English

[@munamahmud4364]

Yes very true. My kids are very chubby and trying to eat healthy and homework out 3 times a wedk

[@mohamadraymie5525]

True to that. I'm 30 now and my body has been M & XL for about 6 times since i was kid. Thankfully i'm not junk food eater so that's one of the reasons i can easily weighing on and off over times meaning i myself (including you maybe) have advantages on that. That being said I need to again mentioning junk food cuz trust me that's the only reason actually why them getting bigger in size on such period time. Fact that junk food must have double or triple times of calories than freshly cook meals is why i'm avoiding it. So for this fat camp case, i don't think most participants have other choices than gave out their money to get disciplines they all needed outside their comfort zone. Obviously we can see how their parents size shows how much difficulties they have at home to be determine after all.

[@calliehilbert]

Good job

[@nikkikidd8428]

Teenagers are not going to be honest about how they feel about themselves or tell on other kids for bullying them or belittling them. And if there’s bullying going on in places like this then they are not counselling them enough. There should be no tolerance for bullying in a place for children that already have low self esteem.

[@siaround]

i'm not so sure how this camp truly helps.

[@jessicagomez1760]

I feel so bad for the children, it is never their fault

[@needmoreramsay]

First day watching/discovering your documentaries and you've done an INCREDIBLE job covering difficult subjects with dignity and grace. Bless you all and keep up the fantastic documentaries !!!

[@Opa773]

Will is a good looking boy . The acne could be caused by milk products. He sounds like a real nice guy . I hope he finds he way out of worrying about what others thinks of him.

[@maidahaltrecht6577]

I can't understand why the kids at that camp bullied him instead of being there for him and doing it with him.

[@simonalyneenderz3247]

I thought of food allergies as well. Or even thought his beard or razor irritation.

[@hannie.haneul]

@T123 well, not every body is the same as yours. There's a study that concluded women who drink 2 glasses of milk are 44% more likely to develop acne (can't drop link because YT may mark my comment as spam, but you can easily google it). My skin would break out whenever I drink cow milk. And I have very healthy diet, especially when compared to Americans.

[@aconcagua4197]

@@hannie.haneul Not agree,It dependa your skin type, hormonas...

[@theantiveganchannel3596]

not true it's caused by plant toxins most plants a toxic to humans i.e garlic ,onions kiIIs cells on contact

[@ashlimaribcu]

Rooting for all these kids to stay on the right path.

[@PyprSMASH]

Bro 141 to 110?!? This kid has got it

[@Picachki]

Having been up and down with weight throughout my entire life I completely understand where they are struggling. Most of it comes from their environments at home or mental health disorders. But everyone out there, remember to be kind to your self. Remember you’re a work in progress! And please keep working on it! You’re worth it.

[@VSisR]

I think that making teenagers hate sports because of the hard drill,which they will most definitely NOT continue with after the camp, doesn't help long term at all. They have to learn about food, nutrition, but most importantly, to reward or comfort themselves without resorting to FOOD. Hardly anyone in the world becomes obese without underlying psychological problems, and without the disasterous tendency to compensate for a lack of love, success, friendships, etc with eating fast foods. Plus, almost all obese kids come from obese parents. What are the chances that a weight loss in the camp will be sustainable after camp, when they come home to parents who show the same pattern and cook the same stuff as before?

[@itsmejejune128]

It's insane to me they think children need to lose weight the same way an adult would. A 12 year old still has a lot of growing to do. So if you just teach them to eat healthier and be active, they will naturally become healthier as they grow.

[@tara2769]

are you kidding me? nearly 8000 $ i.e. nearly 600000 rupees for 3 months. this is more than yearly salary of many families.

[@raggedyexynos9487]

Just shows how much desperate some parents are regarding their kids obesity

[@hollyfarr7209]

Wow!! I watched the same style w this camp 20 yrs ago! Great to see they're stll goin!!

[@legslikewhoa]

Dr Now is frowning upon this.

[@SpeciesUnknown]

Great job Amanda!!!

[@johnbayrak5302]

WTF??? This camp is a joke. Even most of the staff is overweight. Diet is key to weight loss. It's SO EASY. You can exercise all you want but if you don't change your diet it won't help. High fat, low carb, no SUGAR, and intermittent fasting is the way. I lost 45 lbs in 6 months with no hunger. Ate as much as I wanted once a day. Again, NEVER hungry. I'm 67 yrs old. Went from 237 lbs to 189 lbs. Feel the best I have felt in 25 years.

[@deeptracy23]

These kids’ parents are a big part of the problem. I don’t see how this expensive camp can address that.

[@SpeciesUnknown]

Great job Xander

[@SpeciesUnknown]

Great job Will

[@SNIperofDARKness02]

I don't understand this phenomenon, if more than half of the kids at school are overweight who is bullying them? The minority average weight kids?

[@jessicaa3641]

All of these kids talked about being bullied at school, sounds like schools needs to focus on this issue!

[@katiegreenberg4034]

Who remembers this camp years ago on MTV?! 💛

[@mmrkwa]

7900 dollars? This is insane.