Making Healthy Choices: Fighting Teen Obesity

Gr 5–8—Presented in a concise, simple style, this fact-filled program can teach younger teens how to eat healthy and practice successful weight loss techniques. It begins with a well-built, athletic man who is torn between eating a burger and fries and avoiding an unhealthy alternative. The result is the creation of a clone of the man, who then banters with himself, playing devil's advocate for the rest of the film. While this premise is somewhat silly, students will be able endure the slightly corny dialogue to grasp the important points that are made. The strategies presented include avoid fad diets, eat three meals a day, eat slowly, eat a balanced diet, drink water (not sugary drinks), and exercise daily. There are three short clips of teenagers who share their personal stories of obesity. One of the most overlooked approaches to weight loss is made very clear: decrease your body weight by 10 percent over six months. If students only remember this point, it may be well worth the cost of the DVD. Other important ideas are those of "Portion Distortion" (our portions are nearly five times larger today than in the past) and making the choice to get healthier. Obesity can lead to diabetes and death, and the video drives this point home several times. Although the delivery is innocuous, the message is strong. An informative program for middle school students.—Pamela Schembri, Newburgh Enlarged City Schools, NY