Exposed in their hopes, dreams and clothing, the kids act as heroes, allowing us to see the complexities of obesity and raise serious questions about societies response to the extra large. Directed by Teresa MacInnes, Generation XXL is a documentary that gives youth a voice and has a message that benefits people of all ages.

The Kids

Vincent Sylliboy 14

A self declared addict to fast food, Vincent loves Pepsi and Micky D's. Living on a First Nations Reserve in Millbrook, Nova Scotia, Vincent is well aware of the high rates of obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes in First Nations People. Through-out the FIT Intervention Program Vincent is exposed to a healthier lifestyle in hopes that he will be able to over-come his food addictions.

Greg Penney 16

As natural born comic who can make almost anybody laugh, it's hard to see the complexities that Greg faces. There is much more to Greg then being a comedian. With his parents divorced, Greg shuffles back and forth between them, usually spending all of his free time in front of the computer or video games. Greg sees the FIT Intervention Program as a first step towards creating a healthier lifestyle for himself.

Kat Curwin 16

Kat dreams of being able to go on shopping sprees for fashionable clothes that she can fit into. Finding it hard to make healthy food choices when there are usually so many bad choices available, she struggles with her weight and her body image. Kat spends the week at a private school and weekends home with her mother. Her mother hopes the FIT Intervention Program will allow her to take ownership in her own life and make decisions that are healthy for her.

Raya Izzard 17

From North Preston, Nova Scotia, the oldest Indigenous Black community in Canada, Raya grew up being ruthlessly bullied for being the "big fat girl". As a way to cope, she took refugee in her room and in food. Having tried a number of diets in the past that had failed, Raya sees the FIT Intervention Program as a way not only to help her lose some weight, but to help her find her true confidence.

The Fit Intervention Program

Described as a program that is a unique experience for youth living with obesity, the Fit Intervention Program is not a boot camp for the obese. Rather, it has been designed to help empower kids. Its primary goal is to create a context that supports overall healthy living that nurtures individual strength.

Attended by 12 youth in Nova Scotia, struggling with body image and weight issues, the youth bravely confront themselves and the societal influences around them. They give viewers of Generation XXL a first hand experience of what it feels like to be an overweight teen.

The Fit Intervention Program was designed by Peter Davison, who has over twenty years of experience in program design and delivery, in conjunction with: Dr. Phil Campagna from the "Healthy Kids Initiative" at Dalhousie University; eating disorder specialist Heidi Mack; Emily Wickwire Foster, an art therapist from the Childrens' Hospital; nutritionist Laurie Barker Jackman; Darla Mitchell, the executive director of the Eating Disorders Action Group; and two counselors, Chris DeBow and Annie Bray.