Dr. Phillip C. McGraw Announces the Formation of the Dr. Phil Foundation

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2003--

Nonprofit Organization Focusing on Children's Issues and Diseases, Including Childhood Obesity and Eating Disorders

Dr. Phillip C. McGraw, psychologist, best-selling author, and host of the daytime television show "Dr. Phil," has announced the formation of the Dr. Phil Foundation. This nonprofit organization will be another tool in Dr. Phil's arsenal to fight what he calls the "silent epidemics" in America, those problems that cripple our society in subtle but undeniable ways and, therefore, often "fall through the cracks" in terms of funding and attention. The Dr. Phil Foundation will be raising and distributing funds to organizations focused on researching and battling such disorders, many of which have psychological as well as medical implications for the sufferer. Families at risk and children will be a primary focus in the first year, with childhood obesity and other eating disorders as an initial emphasis.

"Childhood obesity is an issue about which I have great passion. This crippling disorder has absolutely become a runaway epidemic, having more than doubled in just the last generation. Now, nearly one in three children is overweight or obese and seventy percent of those children will be obese as adults. We are beginning to see a number of serious medical disorders occurring in our children that were previously seen only in the adult population. Diseases such as Type II Diabetes, Essential Hypertension, and Osteoarthritis are expressing and manifesting at much higher rates among children than ever before, all associated with obesity," said Dr. McGraw. "As a result, this may be the first generation that may not live longer than their parents. Additionally, the social implications of a compromised body image and a destruction of self confidence are robbing these children of the joy of life. The good news is, with the proper education and research, much of this is preventable. As a regular charitable contributor, I am excited to take my charitable efforts to the next level by creating the Dr. Phil Foundation, specifically dedicated to battling the various causes that I am passionate about on a personal and professional level."

Based in Irving, Texas, the Dr. Phil Foundation will be receiving funding from a variety of sources, including future celebrity events, speaking engagements, endorsements, fundraisers, corporate and individual contributions, and personal contributions from Dr. McGraw. Steve Davidson, senior grant officer of the Meadows Foundation, longtime friend and advisor to Dr. McGraw, will be serving as a volunteer advisor and executive director of the Dr. Phil Foundation.

About The Dr. Phil Foundation

The Dr. Phil Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization based in Irving, Texas, and established in 2003 with a mission of fighting multiple epidemic-level problems, principally with families, children, and teens. Childhood obesity and related diseases will be an early focus. The foundation was created by Dr. Phillip C. McGraw, psychologist, best-selling author, and host of the critically acclaimed daytime television series "Dr. Phil." For more information, please visit www.drphilfoundation.org.