Shedding some weight

May 22nd, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

Dr. Ian Smith (known for his role on Celebrity Fit Club) has challenged our community to lose some weight. 50 Million pounds to be exact. 

                    ”The number one health crisis facing not only African Americans,50 million lb challenge
but all Americans, is being overweight. Two out of every
three adults (66%) today are considered to be overweight,
or even worse, obese. Even more troubling, 17% of all
children in the U.S. are now overweight. The statistics for
African Americans are even more alarming—where almost
80% of adult women and 67% of adult men are overweight.”

Teaming up with State Farm, Dr. Smith has challenged African Americans to unite against a growing health crisis - obesity. And unlike many health crisis that we face, obesity can often be defeated through better eating habits, consistent exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.

The goal: Lose 50 Million Pounds. We can do it.  “Give up the pounds, not the fight.”

There Are 7 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by ETS on 22 May 2007:

    Can someone answer me this? Why are so many blacks content with being unhealthy? I’m not talking about being “thick” or “shapely.” I mean flat out unhealthy.

  2. Comment by Fredric on 22 May 2007:

    i think it’s partly the food we’ve been brought up to enjoy.

    everything requires moderation and most my memories consist of my elders cleaning their plate two and three times.

    i’ve always assumed that it was the norm.

    but studies have shown that chittlins are not healthy, all fried foods deserve a balance of non-fried, non meat-soaked vegetables, and bbq’d red meat creates a 40% more chance of getting cancer because of the carcinogens the meat retains.

  3. Comment by Shemeka on 22 May 2007:

    Frederic, you make—Popeye’s, my mom’s green beans w/bacon, and my dad’s Memorial day BBQ sound so bad…..

    Seriously, I have been trying to get my family members to change their eating habits. I have decreased the amount of red meat intake and I am encouraging them to do the same. Great post!

  4. Comment by Kimberly Michelle on 22 May 2007:

    I think it’s all about the portions. Just because you have a huge meal in front of your face, does not mean you have to eat it all. If it’s at home, don’t waste the food, just make it leftovers. And if it’s at a restaurant, ask for a doggie bag. And exercising is a must; calories in vs. calories out…

  5. Comment by ETS on 23 May 2007:

    I mean, I’m with ya’ll on the connection between our diets and our weight, but I mean why does health not matter to so many people. And I mean holistic health - physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, etc. And is this just a black thing?

  6. Comment by Kimberly Michelle on 23 May 2007:

    Well, I don’t know exactly the why part, but I do know that it’s not just a black thing. When we were in London there were hella overweight people and the majority of the population are smokers. They don’t seem to be too concerned about their health in that respect.

    Hmmm, why….well, we seem to indulge ourselves in fast foods and convenience dinners. Not taking care of your health and what you eat is simply a lazy mentality. Still doesn’t say why black people do this to themselves, but there has to be motivation to change.

  7. Pingback by Jumping on the 50 Million Pound Bandwagon | Young Black Professional Guide on 31 July 2008:

    [...] Filed Under YBP Guide to “it’s our wedding day!”keep your head on a swivelShedding some weight Filed Under: Health • Motivation • Useful Websites Tags: 50 Million Pound Challenge [...]