When "Deep Space Nine's" Odo learned how to shape-shift from protoplasm to homo sapiens, he discovered that being able to control his form was essential to his well-being.

Great sci-fi, but humanoids aren't so different.

If you're one of the 29 million North American adults with diabetes, 79 million with prediabetes, 32 million with elevated total cholesterol, 78 million with high blood pressure or 157 million who are overweight or obese, chances are you're struggling to get into shape and you'd like to have a better sense of well-being, too.

What derails you, humanoid?

Chances are it's a combo of frustration (your diet and exercise routines aren't effective), stress (you use food as a soother) and depression (it's hard to stay motivated). Plus, you may be missing a key ingredient for success: emotional support.

A recent analysis of many studies of overweight and obese folks with cardiovascular risk factors found that people were most able to lose weight and reduced their risk for heart attack and stroke when, backed up by friends and family, they received intensive behavioral counseling from dietitians, nutritionists, exercise professionals, health educators and/or psychologists.

Some studies saw a 42 percent to 58 percent decrease in the incidence of diabetes among folks getting such support.

So, get with your doc and your family, and put together a support team. Don't forget to use the support and info online from www.doctoroz.com and www.sharecare.com. Talk with a nutritionist, diabetes educator, exercise coach and support groups.

With a team, you can shift your shape for sure!

© 2014 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.