'The Great American Weight Loss Challenge' set for Sept. 13

Obesity is an epidemic in this country. Two out of every three Americans are either overweight or obese, and the affliction kills more than 300,000 Americans each year, said leaders of a local initiative to promote nutrition and exercise.

To fight the problem, "The Great American Weight Loss Challenge" is being sponsored by several local entities, including HealthSmart, the Nevada Appeal and Carson-Tahoe Hospital.

"The response has been tremendous," said Maryellen Waltz, executive director of HealthSmart. "About 60 teams have already signed up, and we're getting 50 calls a day."

The idea was sparked by Richard Linkul, C-TH director of marketing and business development. HealthSmart, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising the standard of wellness in Carson City, is organizing the event.

"People seem to like the idea of being part of a team," Waltz said. "The teams are giving themselves silly names, and that seems to be catching people's attention."

The kickoff is 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 13 at Mills Park's Pony Express Pavilion.

Many businesses and organizations are putting teams together, but anyone can join the effort. The teams will be groups of 10 who live in Carson City, Washoe Valley, Carson Valley, Dayton Valley or Lake Tahoe.

The program will through Nov. 19. Participation is $50 per team and $5 per team member and includes a 10-week membership to Nevada Fitness.

Participants will be weighed during the kickoff event then every Wednesday at Nevada Fitness. Each week, a team leader will phone in the collective weight his or her team has lost to the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We're encouraging people to first check with their physicians," Waltz said. "We're not encouraging any particular diet. The program is more about getting back on track with healthy eating and exercise. It's a wonderful 10-week reminder about health and wellness, and maybe we'll be more motivated to curb our eating through the holidays."

The area goal is to lose 10,000 pounds in 10 weeks by forming 100 teams of 10, organizers said.

The event is also being sponsored by Nevada Fitness, radio stations Sunny, Alice and River; and KRNV News 4.

IF YOU GO

What: The Great American Weight Loss Challenge

When: Kickoff 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 13, continuing through Nov. 19

Where: Kickoff at Mills Park Pavilion

Information: 885-1728