In April 2007, a new effort to bring a healthier lifestyle to Americans was launched. Dr. Ian Smith, commonly known as Dr. Ian, founded the 50 Million Pound Challenge. He is a regular contributor for television shows such as ABC's "The View" and is the host of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club. Dr. Ian says, "I recognized that talking about the problem was only half the solution. So I decided to put a plan together and that’s what you’ll find in The Challenge.”
What is the 50 Million Pound Challenge?
Dr. Ian teamed up with AllState Insurance Company to create a free program designed to encourage weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. The Challenge wants to help people lose weight while creating a supportive community that promotes wellness. It also tries to act as a role model for youth so the cycle of obesity can be broken. The Challenge is for those 18 and older and has been embraced by churches, schools and other organizations across the country.
Pounds lost are reported on the Challenge homepage. There is no end date scheduled to reach the goal of 50 million pounds. Close to five million pounds have been reported lost in the first 2 1/2 years of the program. While Dr. Ian states that losing weight is not easy or fast, he encourages participants not to give up the fight- no matter how long it takes.
Dangers of Obesity
Many Americans are moving from the overweight category into obesity. There are numerous complications of an obese lifestyle. Physically, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer and a shorter life expectancy are all related directly to obesity. Emotionally, those who are extremely overweight often suffer from depression, feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Staying Motivated to Lose Weight
By joining a Challenge Team, participants can find others to meet for walks or to talk about healthy foods and snacks and how to stay on track with a healthy lifestyle . There are over 26,000 teams available. Teams can be searched by zip code, state or keywords. Those who join the Challenge can choose a team or make one of their own from family, friends and co-workers. The idea is that being connected to others with the same goal will help motivate participants.
The 50 Million Pound Challenge has a blog roll as well that gives tips from Dr. Ian, milestones, events and features Challengers who are working on their weight loss goals. This serves as an extension to keep participants motivated and connected.
How to Sign Up for the 50 Million Pound Challenge
There are two ways to sign up for the Challenge. By going to the secure section of the Challenge website, participants can enroll in just a few minutes. Sign up is also available through a kit that can be secured at any State Farm office. The free kit includes a DVD, brochure and a pedometer.
A healthy lifestyle is a lifelong journey. For those seeking extra support, the 50 Million Pound Challenge may be a worthwhile path.
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