Filed by Michael Cross in Feature, Health, Local News, News, Politics.
December 1, 2009

Oklahoma City officials are celebrating a milestone in its effort to get citizens to lose weight.

The initiative known as “This City is Going on a Diet” has recorded more than 500,000 pounds lost which is the half way point to Mayor Mick Cornett’s goal of one million.

Mayor Cornett says the weight loss does have an impact on jobs and the economy.

“We understand that if you’re a job creator, and you’re looking at Oklahoma City. You’re looking at what my health care costs going to be, and what is the absentee rate going to be. We need to be a community that values its health.”

Mayor Cornett made the announcement at a walking/biking trail in southwest Oklahoma City that he says would be extended if MAPS Three passes next week.

MAPS Three would add 54 more miles of trails in the city.

The website dedicated to the initiative is also recording nearly 40,000 members at an average weight loss of 12 and a half pounds.

The Mayor began the initiative and the website on December 31st, 2007.

OKC Trail Advisory Committee Chair Hal McKnight, Mayor Mick Cornett and members of Runhers