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Baltimore, MD Recap

Thousands filled Baltimore's Harborplace April 19 to vow to "give up the pounds, not the fight". Dr. Ian Smith, author, journalist, and host of VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" brought his newly launched 50 Million Pound Challenge to Baltimore, to kick off the city's commitment to losing weight and living healthy. The rally featured a fun-filled day of performances, appearances, and lessons about the importance of living healthy by Dr. Ian and supporters of The Challenge such as recording artists Monica, Marques Houston, Doug E. Fresh, and DJ Biz Markie, as well new star of the Baltimore Ravens, Willis McGahee, and local leaders Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland's 7th District, and Baltimore's Deputy Mayor Salima Siler Marriot. The crowd showed up to pledge their commitment to healthy living and losing weight by signing up for The 50 Million Pound Challenge and participating in free health screening. In just two weeks since the launch of this national health campaign, nearly 30,000 from the African-American community around the country have already vowed to collectively turn back the tide of excess weight and related deadly diseases that is affecting them at statistically dangerous rates, and together are committed to the goal of losing 50 million pounds over the next two years.

Highlights of the afternoon included:

  • Congressman Elijah Cummings of Maryland's 7th District spoke passionately to the crowd about his own personal battle to lose weight, and the important toll it is taking in the African-American community, saying: "Dr. Ian was here in Baltimore a few months ago talking about how excess weight affects you. It was then that I decided to lose 30 pounds, not because I wanted to look better, but because I wanted to live! I am begging you to address the important issue of weight. If you don't do it for yourself, do it for the generations yet unborn."
  • Deputy Mayor Salima Siler Marriot, speaking on behalf of Mayor Sheila Dixon, told the crowd "We want a cleaner, greener, safer, and healthier Baltimore!"
  • Challenge supporter and Grammy-winning artist Monica brought the crowd to its feet by singing hits such as "Don't Take It Personal (One of Dem Days)", "Like This Like That", and "So Gone", but it was her personal plea to rally the community to live healthier that got the biggest applause. "Nobody's perfect," she said. "But few things are more important than taking care of our health. We need to cherish and respect it as much as we cherish those we love. Don't let yesterday's disappointments get in the way of tomorrow's possibilities. Pulling together, we can do it -- and lead healthier, longer lives."
  • Dr. Ian Smith led hundreds on a symbolic walk around Baltimore's Harborplace to take their first steps towards healthy living and losing weight.