The Style Network’s new docu-series, “Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back,” follows the emotional stories of five obese young people attempting to shed hundreds of life-threatening pounds at the acclaimed weight-loss boarding school, Wellspring Academy, in North Carolina. In eight one-hour episodes, cameras go behind the scenes to track the students’ progress as they follow the school’s intense mind/body curriculum. 

Compelling, inspiring and often heart-wrenching, the series offers an unprecedented look at the real struggle behind the nation’s childhood obesity crisis and finds hope in the true stories of five kids determined to get to a healthy weight (and the unique school that is helping them).  “Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back” premieres August 9, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The Style Network.

 The docu-series begins as Tanisha (17), Scott (13) and Emily (12) arrive with their families at Wellspring Academy.  The children join veterans Terinna (18) and Miranda (17), who are already enrolled in the school.

Tanisha at 510 pounds is the heaviest student in the school’s history. Emily at 210 pounds is the school’s youngest student. Scott at 366 pounds has been told by doctors that he could die if he fails to lose weight.  They all have come together from around the country with one goal in mind, losing the weight that is threatening their health and happiness.  In the hopes of helping others, the “fab five” have bravely consented to allowing cameras to follow their progress.  

With the support and direction of their behavioral coaches, the teens explore the physical and psychological impact of their obesity, as well as difficult emotional issues, from their relationships with their parents to deep-rooted food addictions.  As the season progresses, viewers witness amazing milestones — such as Tanisha walking her first timed mile and Scott losing his first 50 pounds —- and some setbacks, such as devastating injuries, the negative effects of home sickness and succumbing to food temptations.  

 Throughout the season, viewers will also see things from the parents’ perspective.  Some are battling their own weight issues and feel guilty for their child’s weight problems.  Others feel powerless to help their child or don’t fully acknowledge there is a problem.  A special weekend at Wellspring offers parents and children the opportunity to tackle the issues together.  

As the series documents the ups, downs, achievements and disappointments of Miranda, Terinna, Tanisha, Scott and Emily, it becomes evident that life at Wellspring is not only about grueling fitness routines, weigh-ins and food education. It is also about making new friends, building self-esteem and learning new skills that will help them all lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

“Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back” premieres August 9, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The Style Network.