Bite Size

This documentary is important because it will teach healthy kids how difficult obese kids have it -- and how damaging cruel words can be. Filmmaker Corbin Billings takes an intimate approach to a familiar topic. He doesn't bombard the audience with statistics but instead focuses on the kids and their parents and communities -- making the issue come to life in an authentic and at times heartbreaking way. It's maddening but not surprising that these four kids have all dealt with bullying and teasing. Emily admits that even supposed friends told her they were embarrassed to be seen with her. And Moy has to deal with a dad who thinks he's well-meaning but who doesn't model good behavior (he loves junk food) and who has a penchant for criticizing and shaming his son. Moy's father (who later struggles with his own health issues) clearly represents how tough it is for obese kids to feel supported and understood. One of the sweetest people in the movie is KeAnna's counselor, Lisa, who works tirelessly to teach a group of overweight girls about making better food choices, moving their bodies, and learning to love themselves at any size.

Bite Size also shows how parents of obese kids need to rise to the occasion and encourage, not criticize, their children. This may not always be an easy-to-watch documentary (as when a woman confesses to teens that, as an obese adolescent, she attempted suicide, or when Emily desperately tries to understand why she can't sate her hunger), but it's worth watching with your tweens and teens. More information is available at the film's official site.