First College Weight Loss Program Opens in California

Reedley, CA (PRWEB) November 12, 2007 -- Academy of the Sierras, the first boarding school for overweight adolescents, today announced the opening of Academy of the Sierras College Program, giving college students the opportunity to continue their education while participating in the leading weight loss program for young people.

Academy of the Sierras (AOS) College Program is for young adults ages 18-24. Students live on the AOS campus in a separate, newly renovated dormitory, participating fully in AOS' scientifically-based fitness and weight loss program while pursuing an associate degree at nearby Reedley College.

"A recent national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control showed that college students increased their rates of obesity more dramatically than any other age group - a 68% increase during the 1990s," commented Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum, a Professor at Northwestern University Medical School and Vice President of Clinical Services. "Apparently, many college students develop especially poor nutritional and activity patterns, according to the most recent National College Health Risk Behavior Survey."

"The college environment and the freedom it brings are often problematic for students, as some establish lifestyles that can negatively impact their physical, psychological and even vocational futures," commented Phil Obbard, Executive Director of Academy of the Sierras. "Our College Program provides students with a path to a healthy weight and lifestyle while they start or continue college and transition into adulthood. We focus both on practical skills, like culinary and fitness classes, as well as critical behavioral components shared by all successful long-term weight controllers."

Academy of the Sierras has demonstrated excellent weight loss outcomes for adolescents. Typical students lose 81 lbs. over a 7-month enrollment period and maintain this weight loss at home. Students in the AOS College Program enroll for a minimum of one semester at Reedley College, while living at AOS and continuing their education. Members of the founding class come from all over North America.

"I was going nowhere. I was no longer in school, putting on weight, and didn't feel good about myself," said Liz Roe, part of the founding class of the College Program. "But I decided that I cared enough about myself to make changes and go to Academy of the Sierras. And I'm glad I did. I've lost over 100 pounds. It has changed my life."

Academy of the Sierras College Program is a program of Healthy Living Academies, the leading organization of treatment programs for pediatric and adolescent obesity. Healthy Living Academies programs include Academy of the Sierras California, Academy of the Sierras North Carolina, Wellspring New York, Wellspring Adventure Camp, Wellspring Adventure Camp California, Wellspring Texas, Wellspring Hawaii, Wellspring Wisconsin, Wellspring Family Camp, Wellspring Australia, and Wellspring UK. To learn more about Academy of the Sierras, Wellspring Camps or Healthy Living Academies, visit www.healthylivingacademies.com or call 866-364-0808.

Healthy Living Academies is part of the Healthy Living Division of CRC Health Group, America's largest chemical dependency and related behavioral health organization. For more information, visit www.crchealth.com or call 888-972-7736.

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