Wednesday, February 06, 2013

C  I  T  Y    O  F    A  T  L  A  N  T  A

City Councilman H. Lamar Willis launches 100 Mile Challenge Walk/Run

ATLANTA – Atlanta City Councilman H. Lamar Willis is inviting Atlantans to join him for the 100 Mile Challenge Walk/Run campaign – an on-going event designed to encourage   residents to get and stay healthy.

During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high. More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.

Weighing in at 330 lbs, Willis began his weight loss challenge late 2011 and met his ultimate goal of shedding 100 pounds in October 2012.  He currently weighs in at 223.

For him the tipping point was when he was denied life insurance due to his weight.

“I had no hypertension, no high blood pressure, never had any health issues but I was still denied life insurance. That scared he me,” he said. “When someone else believes you may not be here tomorrow it becomes a wake-up call. From then on I was determined to prove them wrong and help others lose weight and keep it off as well.”

Now Willis’ challenge is part of the City of Atlanta’s on-going health and fitness campaign. During the kick-off announcement, Willis was joined by Mayor Kasim Reed, Department of Human Resources Commissioner Yvonne Yancy and nationally acclaimed fitness guru Dr. Ian K. Smith

As part of his daily diet, Willis said for breakfast he has fresh fruit. For lunch he has a soup and salad and dinner is fish or beef as an occasional treat.

But exercising on a regular basis is key to success. Today he exercises seven days a week which includes lifting weights and riding an elliptical.

Residents who would like to take part in the 100 Mile Challenge call the Office of City Councilman H. Lamar Willis at 404-330-6041 for a walk/run opportunity near you.