NHS Rotherham funded the 31 youngsters to attend the pioneering Carnegie International Camp near Leeds. This was the third year of the successful project which has provided places for 119 youngsters from Rotherham who have lost a staggering total of 101 stone between them since 2008. 

The Carnegie International Camp is a residential summer fit camp run by leading childhood obesity experts Carnegie Weight Management (CWM), based at Leeds Metropolitan University. 

At the camp, the youngsters followed a structured exercise and lifestyle programme with the emphasis on having fun. The core curriculum focuses on physical activity, diet, lifestyle education and social activity. Campers were introduced to a range of physical activity typically taking part in six hours per day including running, karate, basketball and team games. 

On camp, children were given a balanced diet, teaching them about portion sizes and having every day food in moderation. They were taught about nutrition, learning how to make healthy food choices making small changes to make big differences. In addition everyone took part in social activities with discos, trip days and talent nights as well as hobby type clubs including photography and performing arts. Parents and family workshops were also held prior to, during and after the camp so everyone understands the approach and behavior changes that may occur and can implement all the learning’s from camp at home. 

NHS Rotherham Public Health Specialist Gill Harrison said: “Participating in camp and achieving this weight loss is a fantastic accomplishment for all the children. They have worked really hard to achieve this and we will continue to support them in their weight loss goals. One in three children and 60% of the adult population in Rotherham are classified as overweight or obese which is why NHS Rotherham has invested £3.5 million over a three year period to tackle the increasing problem.”

Following camp they are now attending Carnegie Clubs, a 12-week community based weight management programme funded by NHS Rotherham in partnership with DC Leisure, in order to maintain and continue their weight loss. Carnegie Clubs are aimed at young people aged between 8-17years, who are overweight, and attend along with their parents or other family members. Clubs are open to everyone who meet the referral criteria, and are FREE to those registered with a Rotherham GP.

The Clubs take the same approach as the Carnegie International Camp, offering a practical and realistic approach to weight loss, whilst having lots of fun. Carnegie Clubs encourage making small sustainable changes to everyday lifestyles to lose and maintain weight loss, and will include lots of physical activity, lifestyle and social activity sessions. Participants from the course will be encouraged to continue their healthy lifestyle and will be given opportunities to participate in further activities within Rotherham. 

Rotherham Leisure Complex, Maltby Leisure Centre and Aston-cum-Aughton Leisure Centre currently have places available after school and at weekends. A parent/guardian is encouraged to attend the weekly sessions to help support their child’s weight management. 

For more information about Carnegie Clubs, or to register your interest, contact Natalie Dunn, Healthy Living Programme Manager at Rotherham Leisure Complex on 01709 722555 or apply online at www.carnegieweightmanagement.com/rotherham