Dr. Phil's Weight Loss Advice to His Family

Dr. Phil gives his overweight family members advice that can also help you.   Rely on your support group. Key 7 in The Ultimate Weight Solution refers to your "Circle of Support." It is important to have like-minded people around you whom you know you can count on. If you have friends who are also trying to lose weight, turn to them for support, or if others have already reached their goals, seek their insight.   Use portion control and eat high-response cost foods. Stick to eating foods that are good for you and are hunger suppressing. Click here to find out more about what Dr. Phil suggests you eat. If you are going to a party during the holidays, eat something before you attend so you are not as hungry when you arrive. You'll be less likely to pig out on junk food.   Don't label yourself. You are not a victim or a patient. You have to start thinking of yourself as a healthy person if you are to become one. Don't simply be a passenger in life; take action.   Separate body image from self-image. Make sure not to confuse the reflection of your body image with how you really are as a person. Emphasizing the difference between body image and self-image, Dr. Phil tells his 460-pound nephew, "If I thought that changing your body image would change the man you are, I would tell you not to do it because you're too good of a man."   Exercise! Intentional exercise is Key Six of Dr. Phil's program. Do a mixture of cardiovascular and resistance exercises.   Don't blame your genetics. Issues with your weight are usually only 20 percent related to genetics. Your lifestyle is what makes you the way you are. Dr. Phil tells his sister Brenda, "Blaming your weight on the family being overweight is an excuse."