Challenge Tops 848,000 lbs, Urges Oaklanders to Team Up to Fight Epidemic of Exc...(we will advance a vital area of our Mode...),Health

"Too many people are dying too young, too early from preventable weight- related illnesses," said Dr. Ian. "We face an epidemic that affects all Americans, especially the African-American community where lives are being cut five years shorter than the US average. The good news is people are listening to our vow to 'give up the pounds, not the fight.' They're signing on and teaming up to take control of their health. We gained the weight together; we can lose it together. We can reverse these trends and turn the epidemic of excess weight into a culture of healthy living. Take the Challenge. It's free. It's fun. The reward is worth the weight-it can save your life, and you'll look and feel great!"

Study Shows Friends & Family Gain Weight Together, But Can Also Lose it Together

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine finds close friends and family set a powerful example for each other-they gain weight together but can also lose it together. The Challenge aims to reach its 50 million pound goal by making it easier for millions to fight the epidemic of excess weight threatening half all Americans. Today, 135 million Americans and two in three adults are overweight, double the rate a few decades ago. Each week, 10,000 die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses tied to inactivity and diet. The African-American community is especially hard hit: 80% of women and 67% of men face higher risk, and life expectancy is five years below the US average. To fight back, The Challenge has enlisted leaders across the community, national civic and health organizations like the American Diabetes Association, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, 100 Black Men of America, National Urban League and American Council on Exercise, and is hosting a 14-city kick-off t
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