JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Just over a year after Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced a challenge for residents of the city of Jacksonville to lose one million pounds, the program has reached what the mayors office called a major milestone, with more than 75,000 pounds lost since the program was launched on April 7, 2016.
Speaking at Unity Plaza on Monday, Curry and Duval County Medical Society Foundation president Dr. Sunil Joshi said that more than 3,900 registered participants had combined to lose the weight. One of the leading factors impacting the health of Duval County is weight. Two out of three people in the 904 area code are overweight, according to the Duval County Medical Society.
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"Establishing weight loss goals is essential to combating obesity, one of the contributors to quality health outcomes and rankings," Curry said. "Mission One Million offers a collaborative way for people in our community to work together and motivate one another to make Jacksonville a healthier place."
Curry, who said he works out at the YMCA six or seven days a week, believes that he feels more energized on days when he exercises.
"I am here today to support this, to remain committed to it," Curry said. "While I am very good at the daily exercise I will tell you, the daily diet continues to be a fight and struggle, but I’m accountable knowing that we are all in this together."