BREVARD, NC -- (Marketwire) -- 08/09/12 -- One-third of Americans are overweight and less than one-half engage in the minimum-recommended 2.5 hours of physical activity each week according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This includes college-aged young adults. Fortunately, internationally recognized and media acclaimed weight loss program, Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas, home of Style Network's "Too Fat for 15" television series, has announced the addition of a new college track specifically designed for 18-25 year olds. Now, college-age students can reap the benefits of this unique and effective weight loss experience that combines academics and adventure activities.
"We are very pleased to bring this college component to Wellspring Academy, to complement our junior high and high school programs for 11-18 year-olds, and to help address this country's growing obesity problem," said David Boeke, Executive Director of Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas. "As teens become young adults, the emotional, social, financial and physical risks of excess weight increase substantially. The vast majority of those who struggle with weight in their teens become even more overweight as they age, which greatly increases the likelihood that they will face discrimination at work and earn significantly less than their peers. This is in addition to the many health risks that come with being overweight."
Established nearly 10 years ago, Wellspring Academies -- with locations in North Carolina and California -- are residential weight loss schools for young people, and are among the world's most effective non-surgical options for initial and sustained weight loss.
"Wellspring is a clinically-proven weight loss treatment program that helps students transform their bodies and, in most cases, permanently change their lifestyles and the way they think about diet and activity," said Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum, President and Co-Founder of Wellspring, and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University. "Students at our Academies learn and live the Wellspring Plan, a proven scientific approach to weight loss, while continuing their studies."
Dr. Kirschenbaum continued, "Promoting a healthy lifestyle with simple, scientific and sustainable behavioral changes, there are three basic tenets to the Wellspring Plan: eat a very low-fat diet, take at least 10,000 steps or the exercise equivalent per day, and self-monitor -- or journal -- all food intake and activity."
College students, like the rest of the middle and high school students, will reside on campus and learn to live a healthy lifestyle while going to school. Enrollment is underway, with a capacity of 54 students, but with rolling admissions, students can register at any time during August through May.
Wellspring college students will receive personalized support to accommodate their individual academic, emotional, and social needs, and work with skilled staff who have specialized training in young adult weight loss. Students also receive fitness classes, behavioral coaching, and culinary and nutrition training.
Wellspring's online college curriculum is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas campus is set on 220 acres that border over 2 million acres of national forests, state parks and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. On campus, students have access to miles of walking and running trails, a private lake, weight and cardio room, playing fields, and courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis. Wellspring's idyllic location inspires frequent adventure trips to the surrounding mountains and waterfalls, allowing students to experience an active lifestyle -- and transform their lives -- in one of the country's most beautiful regions.
About Wellspring
Wellspring is America's leading provider of weight-loss camps and residential treatment programs for overweight young people, families, and adults. Wellspring Camps and Wellspring Academies have helped thousands of overweight and obese individuals achieve dramatic weight loss, better fitness, and improved moods and self-confidence. With 12 programs nationwide and one in the UK, Wellspring programs have achieved among the best results ever reported in scientific journals for non-surgical weight loss programs for children, adolescents or adults.
About CRC Health Group
Wellspring is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. CRC Health Group offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families, and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC programs have helped individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.
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Christine Simmons/ Shana Starr
RMS Public Relations - www.rms-biz.com (CRC Health Group)
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