Rachael Ray: Rachael's Daytime Talkshow

Inspiring Story of Teens Who Lost 3,000 lbs.

Aired on: February 2, 2010

Wellspring Academy in Reedley, CA is a live-away weight loss school for kids, but the school has taken on a whole different meaning for its students. "Wellspring to me is a place of transition and growth," says one teen. "It's not so much just to lose weight, it's more to find a way to change your lifestyle forever." For this year's high school class of over 30 boys and girls, the dedication put into gaining their lives back resulted in a combined weight loss of almost 3,000 pounds! "You have to realize that you never reach that point of no return," advises another student. "You can always, always turn yourself around."

To reward the kids for their inspiring accomplishment, Rachael sends Gretta to Wellspring to pull off her biggest surprise makeover yet! Gretta recalls, "When I went there and I realized that these kids are leaving their homes, and staying there for sometimes over a year to focus on all the good stuff ... it's amazing." After picking their wardrobe and getting their hair and makeup done, the kids are elated to show off their new looks in this year's class photo. Wellspring executive director David Melear remarks, "For a student that has gone through a transformation with their body, to be able to show it off, is an incredible experience for all of them. I can't even begin to express my excitement. Their eyes are much more bright, their smiles are wider, they're walking more straight, and I'm really proud that they're my students."

Three of the students share how their experience can help other kids struggling with trying to change their lifestyle. "You think, 'Oh, wow I'm going to miss all these yummy foods,'" says Kerry, 16, who lost 27 pounds. "But really it's so easy to get healthy foods and just find someone that inspires you and you can do it - you really can." Katya, 18, lost 119 pounds. "You definitely have to find it within yourself," she says. "You need to take a long look in the mirror and decide, 'I need to change my life.'"

Brooke, 18, gets tearful thinking back on the tough days when she weighed 318 pounds. "I'd wake up every day and hate myself," she admits. Now 127 pounds lighter and with a completely new look, the teen is confident and hopeful. "Now I have something to be proud of!"