Wellspring operates four distinct weight loss programs:

Wellspring Academies: the world’s only boarding schools for weight loss. In California and North Carolina

Wellspring Camps: largest network of summer camps, with 11 programs around the U.S. and the world

Wellspring Community Programs: the only comprehensive after school programs provided through local communities

Wellspring Retreats: 8-day weight loss vacations for adults

As we enter the second decade of the childhood obesity epidemic, overweight and obesity have become the single biggest health threat facing our children. Today over 1/3 of all American children and adolescents are overweight or obese. Other developed countries are not far behind. Public health and demographic researchers are predicting that this generation may be the first in American history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

Billions of dollars are already at work trying to combat this trend. A myriad of federal, state and local governments and not-for-profit organizations and foundations have undertaken initiatives to fight childhood obesity. These initiatives fall into one of two categories: (1) Initiatives to try to “turn back the clock” on our obesogenic environment – making school lunches healthier, getting sodas and junk food out of schools, making neighborhoods more walkable; and (2) Awareness and education campaigns for parents and kids to improve diet and/or increase activity.

Both types of initiatives are well-meaning, but neither has proven in any way effective at helping the 25 million kids who are overweight or obese return to a healthy weight and avoid the health issues that will likely ensue as 90% of them (according to a recent study) become obese adults. A 2007 report by the Associated Press showed that while the federal government spent $1 billion on education-based programs, only 3 programs had any impact on healthy eating habits, and none of the 57 programs had any impact on the body mass index (BMI) of children in the program.

When you think about it, this makes a good deal of sense. By and large, overweight kids know what it means to eat healthy, and they know what it means to be active. They simply don’t do it.

So the spread of the epidemic of childhood obesity continues unabated. Simply put, we are not yet seeing one encouraging sign that it is slowing or stopping despite the efforts being made.

Everyone is in agreement that this is a serious health issue. And while we know that the American healthcare system provides the best treatment in the world, it isn’t always great at addressing prevention and public health issues. Ironically, with the most significant health issue facing our children, we have it backwards: all our resources are being allocated to prevention and public health. Very few are going towards treatment.

Decades of research shows that treatment for weight loss and weight control can be very effective. While awareness and education aren’t enough to produce the behavioral and lifestyle change required for successful weight control, cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with diet and activity have helped thousands of young people – especially when conducted in an intensive and comprehensive weight management program.

Wellspring programs were developed by our Advisory Board and some of the world’s leading researchers on weight loss to be the most effective treatment programs for overweight and obese children, adolescents and young adults. Wellspring programs employ a combination of diet management, activity management and lifestyle change to help participants return to a healthy weight and remain at that weight permanently.

By providing comprehensive, intensive, multi-disciplinary programs through boarding schools, summer camps, after-school programs, and adventure vacations, Wellspring is helping to lead the charge on behalf of children and their families seeking a healthier and better life.

For more information about Wellspring programs, please visit:

YOUTH PROGRAMS

ADULT PROGRAMS