'Biggest Loser' to tackle childhood obesity

Trainer Jillian Michaels is headed back to " The Biggest Loser " next year and she's bringing a new challenge with her. The weight loss show is adding child participants for the first time in its 13-season history.

At least three teens between the ages of 13 and 17 will be included in the competition. They will work with trainers, nutritionists and child obesity experts to drop pounds just like the adult contestants on the ranch. Unlike the adults, however, they will not be up for elimination each week.

“As a former overweight teen, I know firsthand how dramatically weight issues can affect every aspect of a child’s life,” Michaels said in a statement from NBC. "Having recently become a mother of two , I am more passionate than ever about helping empower children and families with the information and resources they need to live a healthier life.”

More than one-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . NBC hopes featuring children on the show will "inspire kids all over the country to get healthy."