TLC Premieres One Big Happy Family

Families eat together, play together, and often, gain a hundred pounds or more together. So it's only logical families facing morbid obesity should ideally attempt to lose the weight as a unit. TLC is premiering "One Big Happy Family" tonight, a six-episode reality show chronicling this very scenario. This series casts the Coles, a family of four from North Carolina collectively weighing in over 1,400 pounds. There's 36-year-old Tameka (380 lbs), 41-year-old Norris (340 lbs), 16-year-old Amber (348 lbs) and 14-year-old Shayne (308 lbs). Their love for each other flows strong, however restaurant booths and seat belts are a challenge and morbid obesity is jeopardizing their health.

Yet for "One Big Happy Family," TLC didn't offer up Biggest Loser-style weight loss complete with trainers, a healthy kitchen and a $250,000 motivational carrot. Beyond a push from cameras, the Coles had to try and lose weight like the rest of us. As Tameka shared with Today Show's Meredith Vieira, their main goal was to eat less and move more. Without a nutritionist and trainer, they had to research calories, portion sizes and exercise plans themselves. Norris was especially shaken by the doctor's report that his cholesterol and high blood pressure were getting higher. And so were his kids' levels -- morbid obesity isn't kind at any age.

Guess what? The Coles show us eating less and moving more is a powerful combination to shed serious weight. As a family, they've dropped well over 200 pounds and are still losing. Best of all, they've developed their healthy new habits as a team. It's a lot easier to not overeat if everyone else around the table is enjoying the same lean dinner and choosing late night grapefruit instead of ice cream. If your family is overweight or obese, watch this series together. It's time to face reality -- visit your physician and devise a doctor-approved plan to start losing weight today.

Don't miss Biggest Loser's Ali Vincent's "Believe It, Be It" for valuable insights on what it takes to lose weight. She says your first step should be onto a scale. You can do it, 52-year-old Ann Lovell just lost 238 pounds and renovated her life.