At first glance, TLC's reality TV show "My 600-lb Life" is about obesity, bariatric surgery, and hopefully, weight loss. But as folks lose weight, they find other health problems clearing up too. Losing weight also strengthens broken autoimmune systems. Here's what you can learn from the gastric bypass patients about healing mind, body, spirit and even staying healthy in Flu season. Most of the information from this article is thanks to reports by Newsweek and TLC.

Fix weight problems

The big joke when discussing ways to stay healthy is to avoid getting sick.

As ridiculous as that sounds, it's true. You're more likely to pick up a flu bug if you're already rundown, ill, or immune-compromised. As "My-600-lb Life" patients prove, obesity raises risks of autoimmune diseases, diabetes, lymphedema, PCOS, high cholesterol, liver disease, depression, heart failure, hypertension, and sleep apnea, to name a few. But it's not just overweight folks who struggle with ill health. At the other end of the spectrum, an Eating Disorder like anorexia damages immune systems. To avoid getting sick, get weight nearer to that recommended by your BMI.

Clean your plate

Weight loss and staying healthy won't happen with diet and calorie-counting alone. You have to be more mindful of what kinds of food you eat and in what amounts.

Track food intake in a food journal to see that you're getting loads of fresh vegetables and fruit, fish, lean protein, and even eggs. Weight Watchers now categorizes most of these as free food, meaning you can eat as much as you want. The reality television surgeon of "My 600-lb Life," Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (Dr. Now), encourages these to boost antioxidants, which are essential to flu season immunity.

Feed flu season immunity

"My 600-lb Life" celebrity Lee Sutton had trouble busting his junk food addiction after gastric bypass, but when he did, he began to feel more energetic. Sweets, fried, and fast foods literally rob necessary vitamins and minerals. Season 6's Alicia weighed 622 pounds. Her boyfriend told reality television audiences that she never wanted to do anything but eat and watch TV.

Eating boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, but eating the wrong foods or too much lowers them and triggers depression. Celebrity TV host Dr. Oz says the food is medicine so eat better foods to feel better. To boost immunity in the flu season, look for foods high in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and poly, and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Outrun the flu

It may be a while before the celebrities of "My 600-lb Life" are able to jog. But that doesn't mean they can't move. You may not even be overweight, yet running is still a problem. So exercise as much as you are able, in whatever way works for your needs. A brisk walk daily can raise your metabolism, improve morale, and fight winter blues, which are also surprisingly linked to illness. Supplement with vitamin C powder like Emergen'C to increase immunity and resistance to the flu.
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