Mayor’s diet initiative passes 10-ton mark

(January 31, 2008) - When Mayor Cornett placed his city on a diet on Dec 31, he had high expectations.  But could anyone have guessed the impact it would have and how successful the first month would be?

By February 1, the weight loss website registered 13,787 dieters who have collectively lost 20,284 pounds.

“We are attempting to change the culture of a city to place a higher priority on its health.  It’s early in the process, but so far, so good.  It’s working.  People throughout the community are losing weight,” said Cornett.

The “This City is Going on a Diet” campaign was created by Cornett to challenge citizens to lose a collective one million pounds.

The Web site www.thiscityisgoingonadiet was launched on New Year’s Eve to encourage residents to become healthier by losing weight.  This site allows participants to confidentially track their weight loss and calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a simple method for estimating body fat and determining a goal weight.

The Mayor is trying to set a good example.  Since last spring, Cornett has lost 38 pounds (from 217 to 179).  His goal is to lose four more pounds by the end of February.

Although designed for Oklahoma City residents, people have visited the Web site from all over the world.

The homepage features a live counter to indicate the cumulative number of pounds the Web site’s participants have lost.  Corporations, civic groups and individuals are all encouraged to register.