or


[02/18/11 - 11:53 AM]
The Style Network Hit Docu-Series "Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back" Returns for Season Two and Continues Its Inspiring Journey Beginning March 7
The show's 16-episode sophomore run will air Mondays at 8:00/7:00c.

[via press release from Style]

The Style Network Hit Docu-Series "Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back" Returns for Season Two and Continues Its Inspiring Journey Beginning March 7

Familiar Faces Are Joined By a New Group of Teens, Including the Heaviest Student To-Date, at Renowned Weight-Loss Boarding School Wellspring Academy in North Carolina

Los Angeles, CA, February, 2011 - The Style Network's inspirational docu-series, "Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back," returns for its second season with an all-new 16 episode order. The series documents the incredible journeys of a group of obese teens as they bravely fight emotional and physical hurdles to drop hundreds of life-threatening pounds at the acclaimed weight-loss boarding school, Wellspring Academy, in Brevard, N.C. New and returning students enrolled in the school's intense mind/body curriculum adjust to life away from their families, befriend other students who are on similar journeys and come face-to-face with the food and feelings that threaten to end their lives. Viewers will witness the difficult struggles to overcome childhood obesity in season two of "Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back," which premieres Monday, March 7 at 8 pm ET/PT on The Style Network.

The first episode begins with three of last season's students, Tanisha (17), Scotty (14) and Emily (12), preparing for another semester at Wellspring Academy. These teens are joined by a new group of students who are about to embark on a life-changing journey, including Hayley (17) who at 511 pounds has surpassed Tanisha as the largest student in Wellspring history. For returning students, the routine is all-too-familiar but the new residents have a difficult time with group exercise and eating well-balanced meals at scheduled times. This emotionally and physically grueling week is capped off with the first weigh-in and anxieties are high as the teens wonder if this invigorating program will actually help them achieve their goals.

Led by their behavioral coaches, the teens delve into the physical and psychological causes for their obesity, ranging from the tumultuous relationships with their parents -- which are addressed in the nerve-racking parent's weekend -- to deep-rooted food addictions and the painful effects of school-yard bullying. Although these teens hail from different backgrounds, different family lives and different social standings, they are all united in the same goal - to lose the weight that threatens their health and happiness.

Meet the students who have bravely allowed our cameras to document their compelling odyssey:

Tanisha, 17, Suitland, Md.

Season 2 Initial weight: 350.5 lbs. (Season one start: 510 lbs.) Tanisha is season one's star student. Upon returning to Wellspring, she is 160 pounds less than when she arrived her first semester. She continued to lose weight -- even while at home during the summer, and is an inspiration to her classmates who see how Tanisha is on the path to success.

Scotty, 14, Athens, Ill.

Season 2 Initial weight: 305.5 lbs. (Season one start: 366 lbs.) Scotty is back after an unsuccessful summer away from the school, having gained 15 pounds. While his mood and confidence are much improved from last semester's performance, Scotty's bad habits resurface and his commitment starts to waver.

Emily, 12, Raleigh, N.C.

Season 2 Initial weight: 161 lbs. (Season one start: 216 lbs.) Emily struggled as the youngest student at the academy last year, and much to her dismay, Emily's parents sent her back to reach her ultimate goal of 130 pounds. However, her weight loss is truly amazing and she pushes harder than ever to achieve the final goal that will free her from the school.

Rachel, 14, Greenwich, Conn.

Initial weight: 250 lbs.

Having been bullied about her size since elementary school, Rachel started eating more to comfort her unhappiness. After she decided to attend Wellspring, her family resolved to get on their own health and fitness program. The family's positive effort provides Rachel with a very strong support system and promises a bright future.

Hayley, 17, Warren, Mich.

Initial weight: 511 lbs.

After losing her mother to cancer a few months before starting at Wellspring, Hayley is caught between anger and grief as she attempts to turn her life around. Prior to her initial weigh-in, Hayley thought she weighed in the high 300's but is shocked to learn that she is at an alarming 511 pounds.

Carsyn, 17, Warrenton, Va.

Initial weight: 203 lbs.

A performer and athlete until her sophomore year in high school, Carsyn's weight now has gotten in the way of doing the things she enjoys. She yearns to lose the excess pounds and hopes her confidence comes back. Carsyn feels additional pressure because her parents are both all-star athletes, and her relationship with her mother has fallen off-track due to her weight gain.

Lia, 14, Montrale, N.J.

Initial weight: 196 lbs.

Lia epitomizes the classic moody teenage girl -- defiant, rebellious and apathetic. Academically, she makes the grades, but Lia will find any excuse to avoid exercising and eating healthy.

Throughout the season, viewers will accompany the students as they take on new challenges, from completing the first annual Wellspring Triathlon, to facing their fears in the 40-foot ropes course and struggling to stay on the program during the biggest food holiday of the year -- Thanksgiving. The students are challenged with regular teenage activities, such as playing paintball, celebrating Halloween and dining out, but they must integrate the skills they picked up from school to stay on their weight loss track. In addition, the issue of bullying will be addressed by an expert who comes to the school and advises the teens on how to handle bullies in their lives outside of Wellspring.

Cameras will also document the parents and students' interactions during Parent's Weekend visits. Hidden insecurities, guilt and deep-seeded family issues come to the surface as students finally open up about their problems with food and self-esteem. Inspired by their children's honesty, some parents even address their own struggles with weight issues and communication. With the help of the dedicated coaches, experts and inspirational leaders at Wellspring, the families work to break down barriers and achieve milestones that they previously never attempted to tackle.

Compelling, inspiring and often heart-wrenching, the unforgettable weight-loss odysseys continue when season two of "Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back" premieres Monday, March 7 at 8 pm ET/PT on The Style Network. Before the new season begins, don't miss a look back on last season as the teenagers share the beginning of their difficult journey in "Too Fat for 15: 500 Pounds and Counting," a clip special featuring never-before-seen footage airing Monday, February 28 at 8 pm ET/PT.

The series is produced by Daisybeck Productions in association with Passion Distribution. Executive producers are Paul Stead, Beverley Doyle and Sally Miles, joined by The Style Network's Renee Simon, Ruth Rafidi and Katie Buchanan.

The Style Network is the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable, inspiring and transformational lifestyle programming. Style currently counts 65 million cable and satellite subscribers and is one of the fastest growing women's networks in the U.S. Mystyle.com keeps women up-to-date on all of the latest fashion and beauty news on the web. Style's popular series include "Ruby," "Giuliana & Bill," "Clean House," "Jerseylicious," "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane," "How Do I Look?" "The Dish" and "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" The Style Network is a network of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.





  [february 2011]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
  


· TOO FAT FOR 15: FIGHTING BACK (STYLE)





[05/18/13 - 09:03 AM]
Friday's Broadcast Ratings: ABC Tops Viewers, Demos with "Shark Tank"
The show's two-hour season finale powers the Alphabet to victory.

[05/18/13 - 08:59 AM]
"Rock Center with Brian Williams" Scores Its Second-Highest Adult 18-49 and Total-Viewer Results in Three Months
NBC spins the numbers for Friday, May 17.

[05/18/13 - 08:51 AM]
ABC Wins Friday as "Shark Tank" Closes Out with its Best-Ever Finale and Strongest Season Ever
ABC spins the numbers for Friday, May 17.

[05/17/13 - 03:51 PM]
Thursday's Cable Ratings: TNT, ESPN Top Charts with NBA Playoffs
Plus: numbers for AMC's "Small Town Security," MTV's "Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous" and FX's "Anger Management."

[05/17/13 - 01:47 PM]
Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton Set to Return to "The Voice" in Fall
Plus: Shakira and Usher will pair with Levine and Shelton for the sixth cycle in midseason.

[05/17/13 - 12:16 PM]
Video: Showtime(R) Releases Official Trailer for Eighth and Final Season of "Dexter(R)"
The show's swan song begins Sunday, June 30 at 9:00/8:00c on the pay channel.

[05/17/13 - 09:48 AM]
ABC, ESPN Combine to Exclusively Televise 2013 NBA Western Conference Finals
The San Antonio Spurs/Memphis Grizzlies series opens this Sunday, May 19 on ABC.

[05/17/13 - 09:01 AM]
Unaired Episodes of "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" Now Online and Select Mobile Devices
The eight episodes will be live through June 2.

[05/17/13 - 09:00 AM]
"Phineas and Ferb's" Breakout Internet Star Dr. Doofenshmirtz Is Back for a Special "Shark Tank" Installment of "Doof's Daily Dirt"
Plus: DisneyChannel.com extends "Doof's Daily Dirt" web series for another 26 episodes beginning this summer.

[05/17/13 - 08:46 AM]
"The Office" Finale Out-Rates Every Telecast of the Show for the Past 16 Months
NBC spins the numbers for Thursday, May 16.

[05/17/13 - 08:33 AM]
ABC's "Scandal" Marks Most-Watched Telecast Ever and Spikes Over Last Season's Finale
ABC spins the numbers for Thursday, May 16.

[05/17/13 - 08:23 AM]
Thursday's Broadcast Ratings: FOX, "American Idol" Top Night of Finales
Plus: NBC remains stuck in fourth place despite its swan song for "The Office."

[05/17/13 - 07:27 AM]
Syfy Announces Fifth and Final Season of Original Series "Warehouse 13"
Said Mark Stern: "'Warehouse 13' has been an incredible signature series for us."

[05/17/13 - 07:27 AM]
HGTV and DIY Network Announce New Programming Roles for Steven Lerner and Freddy James
Lerner has been elevated to senior vice president of programming and production and James was named senior vice president, strategic development and program integration.

[05/16/13 - 11:09 PM]
Development Update: Thursday, May 16
Updates include: "Silicon Valley" latest to series at HBO; USA "unlikely" to pick up ABC's "Happy Endings"; and The CW is casting for its Samantha Jones on "The Carrie Diaries."