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Boarding School for Overweight Students

Academy of the Sierras

— January 24, 2008 — Lifestyle
The world's first boarding school for overweight children, teens and young adults has started a novel college weight loss program, and according to recent reports, it's been a huge success. In fact, it's been such a hit they're getting demands to expand the program; enrollment has doubled since last year.

Think of it like the biggest loser for young adults. The programs focus on fitness and overall health. Are credits earned for total pounds lost? Not exactly. There are still regular classes, but there is an overall focus on achieving and maintaining a healthy life style.

At the Academy of the Sierras (AOS), students are losing an average of three pounds a week! That's quite dramatic, especially when you consider most college students face the opposite problem. At AOS, peer pressure isn't on for who can eat the most burgers or drink the most pitchers of beer; rather, they support each other in their achieving their weight loss goals.

"The AOS weight loss program focuses on three main components, including a low-fat diet, a minimum of 10,000 steps per day, and lifestyle change through cognitive-behavioral therapy," a press release explained. "Students work with Behavioral Coaches and therapists to learn about self-monitoring what they eat and exercise habits. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps students change their habits, improve stress management, and manage frustration."

It's not just about learning about health, it's about applying the knowledge with others who are keen to improve their lives.

"It was so convenient to add the AOS program to my regular class schedule and the teachers and other students kept me motivated to exercise regularly and eat right," said student Rod Rezvani who has lost nearly 150 lbs since he joined last semester. "Our class got really close, like a big family. It helped that we were all working toward the same goal - to get healthy."
Trend Themes
1. Boarding School for Overweight Students - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: The success of the weight loss program at the Academy of the Sierras highlights the potential for the growth of boarding schools catering to overweight students, offering specialized education and support for healthy lifestyles.
2. College Weight Loss Programs - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: The demand and success of the weight loss program at the Academy of the Sierras demonstrates the potential for the expansion of college weight loss programs, providing students with the tools and support to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle while pursuing their education.
3. Fitness and Health Focus in Education - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: The focus on fitness, health, and lifestyle change at the Academy of the Sierras highlights the opportunity for educational institutions to incorporate these components into their curriculum, promoting overall well-being and healthy habits among students.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: The success of the Academy of the Sierras' weight loss program presents an opportunity for educational institutions to develop specialized programs and initiatives for overweight students, addressing their specific needs and promoting healthy living.
2. Health and Wellness - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: The demand for weight loss programs and the success of the Academy of the Sierras' approach highlights the potential for the health and wellness industry to innovate and offer specialized services and support for individuals looking to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. Fitness and Nutrition - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: The focus on fitness, low-fat diet, and lifestyle change at the Academy of the Sierras creates opportunities for the fitness and nutrition industry to collaborate with educational institutions and develop innovative programs that combine exercise, diet, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for effective weight management.
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