Bite Size

Gr 5 Up—This video takes a closer look at obesity in children and the various factors involved. Students will be drawn to the four students showcased here as they face their food addictions, anger at themselves and others, and physical limitations. The students range in age from 11 to 13 years and represent diverse backgrounds across the United States, from the West to the East Coast. One of the more startling factors of obesity presented here is that poverty affects food choices and health. School districts in the Mississippi Delta are shown to be so strapped for funding that many schools have physical education departments with no facilities and no equipment, making it difficult to assist with promoting healthy exercise for all students. The impetus of this documentary is the inclusion of the various ways individuals and their families can fight obesity. It is clearly successful in highlighting and suggesting action plans that can assist families with transforming eating habits in order to maintain healthy lifestyles. The value of this program is its universal message that learning how to maintain one's health is the key to being happy and staying active.