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Degree

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Recreation Studies (Health and Human Services), 2010.

Abstract

Adolescent obesity is an increasingly alarming issue in the United States and abroad. This study attempted to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of a summer weight loss camp for children and adolescents. Subjects were administered eating and exercise self-efficacy questionnaires before and after camp, and again four months later. In addition to self-efficacy, Body Mass Index (BMI) and girth measurements were used to gauge changes in body size and shape. Three subject groups were compared to assess the impact of the length of stay (3, 6, or 9 weeks) at camp on success. It was hypothesized that summer weight loss camp would alter the self-efficacy and body mass of subjects and that a longer length of stay at camp would lead to greater changes. The 9-week group showed the most improvement in BMI and both measures of self-efficacy when they left camp. Contradictory to the hypothesis, the 3-week group showed the most consistent improvement in BMI and self-efficacy measures at the 4-month follow-up.

Subject Headings

Health education; Physical education; Recreation

Keywords

adolescence; obesity; overweight; self-efficacy; exercise; eating; summer camp

Committee / Advisors

Bruce Martin, PhD (Committee Chair)
Roger Gilders, PhD (Committee Member)
Rhonda Hovatter, PhD (Committee Member)

Pages

88p.

Document number: ohiou1275679943
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1275679943

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