When you're trying to lose weight, do you ever wish to have that little angel on your shoulder cheering for all your good choices and subtly pointing you in the right direction when you waver a bit? (We won't even talk about the devil on the other shoulder.)

WeTV has a new series called "I Want to Save Your Life." The host, Diet Detective Charles Stuart Platkin, is kind of like that subtle little angel. He observes people who desperately want to lose weight and takes note of their eating and exercise habits, how they interact with family and friends and other factors that could contribute to their weight. The only catch? They don't know they're being observed.

Participants applied to be on the show, but they don't know if/when they've been selected, and they have no idea when Platkin starts observing them. "Most people believe they know about their eating and activity behavior," Platkin told That's Fit in an email. "It's just not the case. Research shows that people under report the calories they consume by as much as 45 percent and over report the physical activity they perform. Additionally, most people are not aware and conscious of the negative behaviors that are stopping them from reaching their goals."

Platkin is no novice when it comes to weight loss. In fact, he struggled with his own weight through childhood and into adulthood. Platkin had tried diet after diet with little success and had become a firm believer that people can't really change. He began research for his book "Breaking the Pattern" with that negative mindset. "To my surprise I discovered that a leopard can actually change its spots," said Platkin. "Researching and writing "Breaking the Pattern" changed my life. That book helped me to realize that I was capable of changing my behavior." Now Platkin takes his know-how and positive attitude and uses them to help others.

"I Want to Save Your Life" participant Jennifer Cadle knows first-hand how helpful Platkin's advice can be. In addition to diet and exercise solutions, Platkin helped Cadle organize and simplify her life to better support her weight loss efforts. And he didn't stop there. "I will say the most important method for me was getting to the source of my eating. Really digging into the 'why' and once I saw the emotional connection, it made sense," said Cadle (via email).

If you're trying to lose weight, too, Platkin has three top tips to share:

• Find the reason why. "You need a very clear and precise reason (for losing weight) that will stand up to your most powerful excuses," said Platkin. He recommends that the reason be very specific.
• Don't be a diet hero. "Don't think all you need is a good dose of willpower," said Platkin. "To avoid unhealthy foods that entice you, keep junk foods out of your house. Over time the healthy stuff tastes great."
• Walking and daily activity. "If you are seriously overweight you'll need to do a lot more than simply walking up a flight of stairs to lose a significant amount of weight and be fit. Walk for at least 60 to 90 minutes per day. You don't have to do the entire 60 to 90 minutes all at once -- you just need to get it in at some point during the day. Also, you can bike, use an elliptical trainer or swim instead of walking," said Platkin. Platkin also recommends strength training about three times per week and thinks sports like basketball and tennis are great for a fun diversion, too.

Cadle has advice for those trying to lose weight, too. "Just jump in with both feet. When you make a commitment, just stick with it and don't give up." When Cadle was first starting her weight loss journey, she stuck a note on her fridge. The note said, "Nothing in there is worth losing yourself over." It's a good reminder for us all.