THREE OVERWEIGHT CANDIDATES ARE OFFERED THE PLASTIC SURGERIES OF THEIR DREAMS -- BUT ONLY IF THEY CAN LOSE THE WEIGHT FIRST -- IN A SPECIAL TWO-PART EPISODE OF ABC'S "EXTREME MAKEOVER: BATTLE OF THE BULGE," BEGINNING THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

Dr. Phil Serves as Psychologist and Weight Loss Expert to the Group

"Episode 215" - Follow the journeys of LaPaula, a 33-year-old surgical unit charge nurse from Monroe, Georgia, Belen, a 33-year-old mariachi musician vocalist from San Antonio, Texas, and Anthony, a 32-year-old telecommunications project manager from Everett, Washington, from their "before" phases, then as they undergo their various procedures and, finally, when the end results are revealed to their families and friends, on "Extreme Makeover," THURSDAY, AUGUST 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (Rebroadcast. OAD: 2/19/04)

It's the battle of the bulge, as three overweight candidates, different in culture, chemistry and chromosomes, are thrown together for the challenge of a lifetime. LaPaula, Belen and Anthony applied for an extreme makeover in the hope that liposuction would be the answer to their weight-loss dilemma. But when informed that they were ineligible, they were given an alternative solution: to earn an extreme makeover, they would have to lose twenty five to fifty pounds each in six to eight weeks by dint of exercise and diet alone. They meet master body sculptor and rapid weight-loss expert Michael Thurmond, who wields on them his "Six Week Body Makeover" program that has reshaped the bodies of hundreds of people, including numerous Hollywood celebrities. But with only a few weeks to complete a program that resembles a military style boot camp, will the threesome muster enough strength and motivation to break their old addictive habits?

In addition, psychologist, author and host of the record-breaking talk show of his name, Dr. Phil, drops in on the group with tough talk about weight loss and offers his support. And "Extreme Makeover" reveals the inside story of its weight loss program that has resulted in past candidates' success stories, with tips and tactics from the Extreme Team doctors, stylists and experts.

Plus, resident style guru Sam Saboura unleashes a "Blitz of the Bulge" on Amber, a 31-year-old showbiz kid wrangler from Los Angeles, California. Recently Amber lost weight without plastic surgery and is given a "Mini-Extreme Makeover" by Sam, who shows her how fashion, grooming and style can slim down one's appearance. In a fast and furious wardrobe/hair/makeup overhaul, viewers will see his amazing before and after results in the first half-hour of the show.

"Extreme Makeover" is produced by New Screen Entertainment and Lighthearted Entertainment. Chuck Bangert, Lou Gorfain and Howard Schultz are the executive producers. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.