Type=image;ImageID=6240;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Shed 1 million pounds for Wolverhampton;TitleClass=strong;
Last month the city's Public Health team threw down the gauntlet to Wolverhampton to collectively lose 1,000,000lbs as part of a drive against obesity.
And already residents who are either on a diet or getting in shape have helped the city shed 1,096lbs - that's the equivalent of 4,476,546 calories or 2,011 packets of lard!
People are being encouraged to add every pound in weight they lose to the special Million Pounds for Wolverhampton online totaliser - available by logging on to Type=articles;Articleid=5683;Title=Tackling obesity in Wolverhampton; and Councillor Sandra Samuels, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "We've had a great response from the people of Wolverhampton to the challenge that we've set them.
"So far, we've collectively shed 1,096lbs and I am sure everyone who has already supported the challenge will be feeling the health benefits to slimming down, whether they've lost a pound or a stone.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed their weight loss efforts so far, and while we have of course still got a long way to go until we reach the magic million, I am sure that together we can do it!
"There are of course many good reasons to work towards and maintain a healthy weight and fitness levels, from the immediate benefits of having more energy and feeling better about yourself to longer term rewards like reducing risks of potentially life threatening conditions like stroke, heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes."
The Million Pounds for Wolverhampton challenge, plus another for the city to collectively complete a Million Miles for Wolverhampton by walking, swimming, cycling or running, were launched last month as part of the city's response to November's Obesity Summit, which saw around 300 health professionals, businesses and community groups come together to join the fight against obesity in Wolverhampton.
Representatives from public and private sector organisations, health and social care providers, voluntary and community organisations and faith groups analysed the problem with the help of expert speakers before working together to make practical commitments to address the issue on either a local and city wide basis.
To find out more about the Million Pounds and Million Miles challenges, and to record pounds shed or miles completed, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=5683;Title=Tackling obesity in Wolverhampton;.
Anyone supporting the challenge is also invited to share their efforts on Twitter by following @wecantw8 and using the hashtag #wecantw8, and people inspired to improve their fitness levels can find out about the great new membership packages available at Wolverhampton City Council's WV Active leisure centres starting from just £10 per month - please visit Type=links;Linkid=4852;Title=WV Active;Target=_blank; for more details.
- released: Friday 13 February, 2015