Influence of a Special Camp Program for Obese Boys on Weight Loss, Self-Concept, and Body Image

The sample comprised 204 overweight and obese boys who underwent an 8-week special camp program. Height and weight data was collected on the subjects 6 months and 1 year before the camp program. In addition body image and self-concept assessments were made before and after the 8-week program and 4 months after the camp program ended and subjects had returned to their home environments. The subjects ranged in age from 8 through 18 years. They were grouped for statistical purposes by maturation level, degree of overweight, ordinality, religion, parental status, and parental obesity. Body image showed significant positive change as a result of the camp program. Self-concept remained unchanged. The long term trend of normal weight gain appeared to be interrupted. The weight lost as a result of the program was not regained after the camp period ended. It was concluded that longer follow-up periods would assist in the examination of the long term effect of the camp program.