LeBron James Leads 50 Million Pound Challenge
June 18th, 2008
Cleveland Cavaliers forward, NBA All-Star and Olympian LeBron James and Challenge founder, physician and "Celebrity Fit Club" diet expert Dr. Ian Smith kicked off The 50 Million Pound Challenge's first City Team Challenge Wednesday afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena. With the launch of the City Challenge, Dr. Ian joined LeBron in issuing a call to action for his city and fans to join him in the fight to lead healthier lifestyles and by registering at 50millionpounds.com and also joining the new citywide FIT 4 CLEVELAND team.
Since it began last year, the free national health initiative has encouraged people to save lives by getting fit and losing weight. So far, more than half a million participants have joined The Challenge and lost more than two million pounds. Research shows that weight loss can be more effective when tackled as a group. The City Challenge is expected to be a highly valuable tool to help participants achieve weight-loss success while contributing to the campaign's 50 million pound goal.
"We are so proud of all the teams and individuals who are already participating in The 50 Million Pound Challenge," said Dr. Ian Smith, best-selling author and diet expert on VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club". "Our first City Challenge represents a new opportunity for people to learn more about living healthier lifestyles, which can improve their quality of life, happiness and life expectancy. We encourage more cities to join Cleveland in taking up the fight."
"Staying fit and having a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone," said LeBron James, NBA All-Star and co-captain of the U.S. Olympic Basketball Team. "I'm proud to lead the FIT 4 Cleveland team and join State Farm in the 50 Million Challenge. This is a great way to show how easy it is to stay in shape."
Background: Fighting the Epidemic of Excess Weight
The Challenge aims to reach its 50 million pound goal by making it easier for millions to get fit, give up the pounds and fight the epidemic of excess weight and weight-related illnesses that threaten half of all Americans. Today, 135 million Americans and 2 in 3 adults are overweight, double the rate a few decades ago. Each week, 10,000 people die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses related to inactivity and poor diet. The African-American community has been hit especially hard-80% of women and 67% of men face higher risk from excess weight, and life expectancy is five years below the U.S. average.
