The Benefits of Wellspring

Time Magazine and Time.com are featuring Wellspring and two Wellspring participants in this week’s magazine and online.  Please read the article and watch the slide show / audio presentation.

Thanks to Elizabeth and Freddy for their willingness to share their stories and their journey. 

Programs like the boarding schools and summer camps offered by Wellspring offer hope for real, lasting change. More important, our outcomes, as published in peer reviewed scientific journals demonstrate that 70% of our alumni maintain or continue weight loss at home.

Elizabeth lost 70 lbs. in 6 months

We’re proud that both Freddy and Elizabeth have lost a significant amount of weight and really changed as individuals in such a short period of time.  The stories of Elizabeth and Freddy are similar to thousands of others who have benefited from Wellspring programs, and we’re glad that they were willing to share their stories. 

How and why it works.  For more on Wellspring’s programs and how they have helped thousands live healthier, happier lives, click here. Read other stories of success.

Weight loss results.  Studies show Wellspring campers lose an average of 4 lbs per week with 70% maintaining or continuing weight loss in 6 – 12 month follow ups.  These results are virtually unprecedented for weight loss programs and have been presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.  Learn more.

Family support and continuing care.  Making lifestyle changes is challenging for those in our programs as well as those changes that need to occur at home.  This is why Wellspring offers continuous communication with families, Family Workshops, and a continuing care program to ease the transition to home.  Read more.

Practicing healthy living skills.  Every participant practices the skills they learn at Wellspring in the “real world”.  Freddy can order a piece of pie at a restaurant challenge, if he so wishes, just as he, can order Taco Bell during off-campus challenges.  We ask Freddy and all our students and campers to self-monitor these items to discuss with their Behavioral Coach how these choices may be impacting their goals for weight loss and health.  In Freddy’s case, this is why his mom knew he needed more time at Wellspring to practice and this is also why Wellspring’s clinical program focused on behavioral change is so critical for producing our remarkable outcomes.  Read more about our clinical program.

An investment worth making.  Wellspring programs are an investment for a healthier, happier future.  Attendance at Wellspring Academies, the program focused on by Time Magazine, includes: the Wellspring Plan for weight loss designed and guided by leading experts and researchers; four weekly clinical behavioral sessions with Masters and Doctoral-level therapists; an accredited, personalized academic curriculum; nutrition and culinary program developed by chefs; 3 meals and 2 snacks per day that are healthy and delicious; boarding at a safe, expansive campuses with workout facilities and playing fields; and high staff to student ratios.

Freddy lost 80 lbs. in 6 months

Prevention of adult obesity.  Wellspring applauds the efforts of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, an effort to prevent the next generation of kids from suffering the same fate as the approximately 25 million currently overweight or obese children and adolescents.  Treating today’s overweight and obese youth children and teens will prevent adult obesity, which brings a heightened medical, social, vocational, and financial risks.  Leading weight loss expert, professor at Northwestern University Medical School, and Wellspring Clinical Director Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum comments on this important initiative here.

MORE ON ELIZABETH AND FREDDY.

Elizabeth arrived as a 16 year old on September 1, 2009 ready to make changes.  She is an extremely talented musician, playing piano, guitar, saxophone, and fiddle.  She is an accomplished singer and songwriter who has performed at venues in California and Missouri.  When Elizabeth arrived she was ready to improve her confidence off the stage.  She had struggled with weight her entire life but joined Wellspring committed to making—and continuing—her healthy lifestyle changes.  Now 17, Elizabeth has lost more than 75 lbs. to date, nearly 3 lbs. per week.

Freddy joined Wellspring as 16 year old uncertain if could make the necessary changes.  Many of his pursuits didn’t involve activity—he loves movies, music, and video games—and his diet needed improvement as well.  Yet, once he arrived, as he started seeing results, he wanted even better results.  In just over 6 months, Freddy has lost 85 lbs. and is gaining confidence in himself and his ability to live this newfound healthy lifestyle.  He has reversed the trend of his continued weight gain, and intends to continue losing even after his time at Wellspring ends.