When the BBC undertook to find out more about obesity and what it means to today’s young people, they came to Slimming World to talk to our young members. (You can view the video here...)

“What is obesity?”, “What makes us obese?” And, “what can we do to avoid becoming obese?”, were just some of the questions they posed. In 2008 the UK government’s Foresight report predicted that this generation of young people could be the first to die before their parents – because of the health risks associated with being seriously overweight.

Speaking to young people who are or have been overweight the BBC team, Charlotte Ashton and Anthony Baxter discovered that relentless bullying, low self-esteem, feeling left out, not being able to go out, not wanting to go on holiday, feeling trapped, are all part of the experience of being overweight. So it’s not just about the long term health risks, it’s also about getting the most out of life now.

The good news is that by making small but significant changes young people can avoid becoming a “fatistic”. At 14stone, Kirsty, who’d never worn high heels or a dress tells how she’s cut down on chocolates, crisps and white bread. While young Slimming World member 14 year old Taylor talks about how he swapped fatty meals for potato wedges and salad and inspired friends Stephanie and Shane to make similar changes.

Slimming World’s very own Young Slimmer of the Year, 2008, Jack Mitchell who lost 7½ stone over 2 years warns that if you do have any worries about weight, you should take action sooner rather than later. “Stop now,” warns Jack “because you’ll ruin your body.” And don’t think about taking slimming pills, because they’re not the solution.

So the messages are: Healthy eating and activity. It’s not always easy, which is why Slimming World offers free support to 11-15 year olds, and has created a special Free2Go eating plan that helps them to make simple changes to cut out the chocolates and chips and eat more healthily.

For more information about Free2Go visit our website. To read Jack's story on the BBC website  click here.