MECKLENBURG COUNTY -- While most teenagers get captivated by video games, these days, one group of teens is on the move. One man decided to give back to the community by encouraging kids to lose weight and stay healthy through the “Lean Teen Program.”

"We take it serious, but we may joke around here and there, but we still take it serious," said Marquis Thomas, Lean Teen Program participant.

The program focuses on both boys and girls ages 8 to 18. They learn healthy habits at an early age so they won't run into problems in the future.

In addition to pumping iron they talk about making smart nutritional choices.

"It's really to give the teens the self esteem they need to make healthy choices....At the same time, we want them to have confidence and strength," said Lean Teen Program founder Jorge Martinez.

"I can do more things and be more confident in doing P.E. and being confident in running that track," said Alyssa Squirewell, program participant.

Squirewell just started the program, but Marquis Thomas has been there for a year and he has come a long way.

He was bullied at school before joining Lean Teen. A year later, he's one of the biggest success stories of the program.

Now smiles replace the anger he once had. Marquis is now 50 pounds lighter. He shed the weight by changing what he eats and working out.

"I'm proud of him for sticking with it because at first it was a challenge to him because it's hard work. He stuck with it, and we pushed him along, but now it's automatic for him," said Marc Thomsa, Marquis’ dad.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than quadrupled in adolescents during the past 30 years. It’s something the program's founder works to change.

"I'm passionate about giving back and making sure that every teen in America is able to get help, and we're able to get America back in shape," said Jorge Martinez.

While Martinez wants to go national, right now he's happy with shaping the lives of teens in North Carolina.

For more information on the program, visit: http://www.leanteenprogram.com/