Baton Rouge is moving forward this summer, literally. Citizensand local companies are taking part in the Million Pound Challenge,which is encouraging everyone in the city to lose two pounds by theend of the summer.
The concept is simple — by walking 2,000 extra steps a day andeating 100 fewer calories, organizers say people can lose about twopounds this summer.
“The idea is about activity, not exercise,” said Glen Duncan,director of communications for Pennington Biomedical ResearchCenter. “It’s not about heart rate or breaking a sweat or buildingmuscles. You can [be] more active and burn extra calories in aday.”
The idea for the challenge came from Steven Toups, avice-president at Turner Industries. The grass-roots local effortto promote fitness is based on a national program called America onthe Move.
Although businesses have been vocal in issuing the challenge,Toups needs all of Greater Baton Rouge’s citizens — almost 500,000– to get involved so the city can shed one million pounds.
The 2,000 steps is equivalent to one mile or a 20 minute walkfor most people.
Duncan said the steps don’t even have to be taken at the sametime. “You can park farther from work or walk to lunch,” hesaid.
Several Baton Rouge businesses have gotten involved, includingBlue Cross Blue Shield and Exxon Mobil. John Smith of Exxon Mobilsaid the challenge suits Baton Rouge perfectly.
“It makes getting healthier a social event, and we are a socialtown,” Smith said.
The challenge also suits Louisiana because it has some of thenation’s highest obesity rates. According to a Louisiana Departmentof Health and Hospitals report, the state leads the United Statesin childhood obesity, and more than half of Louisiana’s adults areoverweight.
Duncan said that obesity, which has been directly linked todiabetes, costs the state about $1.3 billion in medical expenseseach year.
Smith said the best thing about the program is that it is aneasy way to begin working toward a healthier lifestyle.
“You don’t have the stigma of trying to lose 15 or 20 pounds atonce,” he said.
People taking the challenge can track their progress onbrmillionpoundchallenge.com. The Web site features tips andinformation on how to get involved.
Participants can register their weight loss and number of stepson the site beginning June 9.
Pennington employees kicked off the challenge May 17 when 70employees took the first 2,000 steps together.
Organizers are sponsoring a downtown “Million Pound March” onJune 12 in conjunction with Kids Fest to promote the challenge.Duncan said he expects participation to increase after thatevent.
“I think it is something students should get involved in,” saidAutumn Douglas, a registered dietician for the Student HealthCenter.
Smith said he thinks fitness is a “good investment” forcompanies and for people.
“People worry about their portfolio and their stocks, but ifyour physical health isn’t there, you won’t get to reap thosebenefits,” Smith said.
“This is an easy way to get a long-term return on investments inyour education and career.”