Introducing the Coles, a close-knit obese family from North Carolina, struggling through weight issues as they come together to change their lifestyle & eating habits for their health. The show premiered last night (Tues, Dec 29) but I was too busy watching Rudolph’s Happy New Year to think about it. The family appeared on The Today Show recently to discuss the show:

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Each member of this North Carolina family is considered morbidly obese. The mom of the family, Tameka is 36 years old and weighs 380 pounds. She works two jobs to support the family.? Her husband Norris is 41 and weighs 340 pounds. Tameka and Norris have two kids. Son Shayne, is 14 and is a hefty 308 pounds.? The daughter, 16-year-old Amber no longer fits the guidelines for morbid obesity and is in fact now considered ?super obese? at 348 pounds.

More photos + clips of the show below:

Norris & wife Tameka

Weighing in at a collective 1,400 pounds, each half-hour episode follows the family on their journey of self-improvement-chronicling everything from their everyday struggles to the larger picture of why they overeat-as they attempt to lose weight to ultimately save their family from dire health complications.

Meet the Coles family:

* Norris, 41 and 340 lbs., is a stay-at-home Dad who cooks, cleans and loves taking care of his wife and kids almost as much as his best friend-the family dog, Coal;
* His wife, Tameka, 36 and 380 lbs., supports the family and manages to be both the disciplinarian and the comedian in the house;
* Amber, 16 and 348 lbs., is a thoughtful young girl who loves to write. Entering her senior year in high school, she is about to start dating and getting ready for college;
* Shayne, 14 and 308 lbs., is a rising sophomore in high school and always the life of the party

Video ~ One Big Happy Family ~ Meet The Coles

Video ~ One Big Happy Family ~ Truth Night

Obesity rates are at an all time high in America, and the Coles are part of the growing epidemic.? The same rituals that have strengthened their family bond-such as cheerful family gatherings around the kitchen table and hilarious “truth nights” over cheesecake-have enabled the bad behaviors responsible for their size. ?With Mom, Dad, daughter and son each weighing in at well over 300 lbs., the Coles are reminded daily that they literally do not fit in, as everyday situations such as buckling a seatbelt and sitting in a restaurant booth are challenging. ?But, as big as they are, their love for each other is even bigger-and when one of the family members is diagnosed with a life threatening health issue, the family unites to change their lifestyle for good.

With a healthy dose of humor and love, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY spotlights the Coles as they pull together as a family to tackle the patterns that are keeping them overweight.? Without the help of a nutritionist or personal trainer, the family has only each other to rely on to drop the pounds.? It’s a long and emotional process full of trial and error and late night “cheats,” but through it all, they have each other. ?No matter what obstacles they encounter or how embarrassing a situation may be, the Coles continue to motivate one another-and are determined to accomplish their goal of attaining a healthier lifestyle as a family. via Press Release

I think the objective of the show is commendable but from the reviews of last night’s episode I don’t think they hit the mark. I’ll hold my judgment until I actually have time to watch it but I’m inspired to work out today thanks to the Cole family…

Visit TLC’s Website for showtimes.