College - U. Got It?

“Celebrity Fit Club” Meets “The Real World, College”

November 12th, 2007

In today’s “press releases that caught my attention” category, this one takes the cake (although, considering the subject matter, perhaps I should say “takes the low-fat, sugar-free Jello”):

First College Weight Loss Program Opens in California:
Young Adults Earn College Credits While Losing Weight
It’s actually a pretty cool thing: the Academy of the Sierras, which is a residential weight loss boarding school for overweight teens in California, is participating in a college program with nearby Reedley College. Students who are schooling at the Academy–and by schooling, I mean readin’, writin’, and getting’ fit–can exercise their minds by studying toward an associate degree from Reedley.

Instantly I pictured an MTV promo commercial: “Celebrity Fit Club meets The Real World… tune in to see 10 teens battle the bulge and hit the books. Find out what happens when students stop eating carbs and start getting A’s.” I’m sorry–that was a bit snarky–but in our reality-obsessed culture, I must admit that’s what I initially thought. Until I read on….

What really captivated me was this startling fact: 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. Coming from someone like myself–who probably could have done better at math had I spent as much time analyzing formulas and algorithms as I did counting calories–I think this is a great idea.

Part of what contributes to overeating is a low self-esteem. As editorial director of The CollegeBound Network, I have heard countless stories from students who say that college changed their lives, their outlook on the world, and their perspective of themselves. And, when you listen to kids who’ve successfully completed the Academy’s weight loss program, the connection between health and happiness definitely computes:

“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.”

According to Phil Obbard, executive director of Academy of the Sierras, there is no reason why students who struggle with their weight shouldn’t be able to binge on the benefits of college, and the new Academy of the Sierras College Program lends valuable support. “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,” he explains. “Our College Program provides students with a path to a healthy weight and lifestyle while they start or continue college and transition into adulthood.”

Sounds to me like a perfect recipe for scholastically-fit success. Find out more at
http://www.healthylivingacademies.com. And if you’re from MTV, I want royalties on the idea….

—> Weight-challenged, math-whiz… find the perfect college for you at CollegeBound and CollegeSurfing.

-Gina LaGuardia

Entry Filed under: General, Pop culture & college