Downsize for Life transforms the lives of overweight teens and their families through fitness and nutrition education, programs, and resources that foster healthy attitudes and lifestyles.

By combining rigorous physical activity and nutritional education in an inclusive and supportive nvironment, Downsize for Life will empower 200 teens across three cities to lose a total of 10,000 pounds by 2015.

• Over the past 30 years childhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled.

• Many overweight youth are subjected to bullying, ridicule or teasing from their peers and are less likely to have strong social networks.

• Childhood obesity is associated with increased risk for many life-threatening chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and osteoarthritis, as well as several types of cancer.

• While developing healthy eating habits is important, it is only half of the weight-loss equation. Diets and fitness programs work together to produce sustained weight loss results.

• Downsize recognizes the social discrimination and marginalization that overweight youth experience. So it works to provide teens a safe environment where they can receive counseling monitoring, and support while working toward their weight loss and health goals.