The City of Oklahoma
“This City Is Going on a Diet”
On January 1, 2007, prompted by his own personal struggle to lose weight, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett challenged the citizens of his city to lose one millions pounds. Cornett created the challenge in an effort to combat obesity in Oklahoma City, which is among the top ten most obese cities in the United States and the 8th fattest city in America, according to Men’s Fitness.
Cornett decided to start his weight loss program at the beginning of the new year when many people attempt to lost weight and adopt healthier lifestyles. As a part of Cornett’s initiative, residents can sign on to the mayor’s interactive website, http://www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com, to set their goals, calculate their body mass indexes, and track their weight loss. The site also serves as an accountability tool because it tracks everyone’s progress. Once participants log on, they can update their information and instantly know if they are doing better or worse.
Additionally, Mick Cornett is attempting to change the culture of Oklahoma City in order to make diet and exercise more appealing. He is increasing the number of bike trails and sidewalks and building new gymnasiums in all 47 of Oklahoma’s inner-city schools. Cornett is also working with local fast food chains to develop more health-conscious choices.
No government money has gone into developing thiscityisgoingonadiet.com. It was entirely funded by contributors from the private sector and is a testament to the power that community leaders can have to create a culture of health.
Results (As of 1/13/09)
- There are a total of 25,874 registered participants in the program.
- Since December 31, 2007 participants have lost a total of 305,344 pounds, an average loss of 11.8 pounds per person.
*** Submitted by David Holt, Chief of Staff, Mayor Mick Cornett’s Office, Oklahoma City, OK, david.holt@okc.gov
Published: January 26, 2009
