A bullied 10-year-old becomes a TikTok sensation after two brothers step in

A 10-year-old boy, once bullied for his weight, has gained viral fame on TikTok thanks to his inspiring fitness transformation videos.

With the support of two brothers, Harry, 36, and Joe Freeman, 31, Jacob Whitmore’s workout clips have racked up over 25 million views in just a few weeks.

After learning Jacob was being bullied, former boxers Harry and Joe Freeman stepped in to help.

They documented his four-week fitness journey on TikTok, where a video of his progress has already gained 4 million views.

In an interview with Newsweek, Harry Freeman and Jacob’s mother, Georgina Whitmore, shared how the experience has changed his life.

Beyond getting stronger, Jacob has gained confidence, built healthier eating habits, and made new friends, proving that his transformation is about more than just fitness.

“Jacob used to dread going to school,” Georgina, 30, told Newsweek. “It was heartbreaking because I felt like there was not a lot I could do about it—I’d tell the school, they’d speak to the kids, but kids are always going to find someone to pick on.”

For a year, Jacob struggled with bullying, as classmates teased him with hurtful names.

Feeling discouraged, he isolated himself, turning to video games and unhealthy snacks for comfort.

Concerned about his health and happiness, his grandfather sought help from former boxers Harry and Joe.

Harry shared with Newsweek that Jacob felt trapped in his room and quit football due to the bullying.

“He quit football because of all the name-calling, so we agreed to help him.”

Harry Freeman could relate to Jacob’s struggles, having faced similar challenges at 12.

He recalled being inactive and making unhealthy food choices before boxing helped him turn things around.

When he first met Jacob, he saw himself in the young boy. Jacob seemed down and unmotivated, but Harry and his brother believed they could help him escape that cycle.

With their guidance, Jacob has fully committed to training and has grown more confident along the way.

Harry stressed that their goal isn’t just weight loss but improving Jacob’s overall health and confidence.

They want him to build strength and fully participate in football rather than just standing in goal.

Their training sessions include boxing, football drills, and circuit workouts at a local park.

As Jacob’s confidence has grown, more children have joined in, encouraging and making him feel part of the team.

Georgina shared that Jacob’s fitness journey has positively impacted his entire family, improving their eating habits and overall well-being.

Jacob is much happier after his inspiring fitness transformation and has cut his gaming time in half. Once unwilling to eat vegetables, he now recognizes the benefits of a balanced diet.

The changes have extended to school, where his classmates have started a lunchtime fitness class, and he is treated more kindly.

She encourages other parents to introduce fitness activities outside of school, emphasizing that exercise can be fun without focusing on dieting.

Jacob’s story has resonated with many online, earning praise from TikTok users who call him “heroic” and “incredible.”

Parents have shared how his journey has inspired their children, including an 11-year-old who chose to continue playing basketball despite bullying.

Others have applauded his four-week transformation, encouraging him to take pride in his progress. Many who have faced similar struggles now see him as a role model.

Childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is a serious health condition affecting millions of children in the United States, according to Cleveland Clinic.

It occurs when a child’s weight is higher than what is considered healthy for their age, height, and sex.

Doctors use body mass index (BMI) growth charts to determine whether a child falls within a healthy range.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity is one of the most common long-term health issues among young people.

Between 2017 and 2020, nearly 20% of children and teens aged 2 to 19—about 14.7 million individuals—were classified as obese.

The condition is more prevalent among older children, rising from 12.7% in preschoolers to over 22% in teenagers.

Certain racial and ethnic groups are affected at higher rates. Hispanic and Black children have the highest obesity rates, while Asian children have the lowest.

Beyond ethnicity, factors like poverty, limited access to resources, and social stigma also contribute to the problem.

Meanwhile, here’s Jacob’s inspiring fitness transformation, winning against childhood obesity:

@boxwave A few weeks ago, Jacob was just a kid struggling with his weight, confidence, and bullying. Now, he’s training like never before, pushing himself, and proving what’s possible. Boxwave is here to change lives, build confidence, and show kids they’re stronger than they think. This is just the beginning. #WeightLoss #FitnessJourney #fyp #weightlossjourney #transformation #jacobsjourney #boxwave ♬ Clubbed to Death (From "The Matrix") – Robert D