April 7, 2007 - National Mall

Dr. Ian Smith, fitness doctor to the stars, has a challenge for America's urban population - lose 50 million pounds over two years.

Citing grim, (but not-impossible-to-change) health statistics among the African-American community, Dr. Smith, along with event sponsors, State Farm Insurance and WHUR Radio kicked off its challenge tour in the Nation's Capitol.

“African-Americans are at a higher risk for obtaining diabetes and heart disease”, said Dr. Smith."

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Dr. Smith is encouraging all who want to lose weight to get on board.  He’s already helped more than a fare share of Hollywood’s elite take off the pounds as medical and diet expert on VH1’s highly-rated “Celebrity Fit Club; the likes of which include actress Jackeè Harry, R&B singer, Kelly Price; American Idol contestant, Kimberly Locke, and even ‘Issac’ (Ted Lange) from the popular 70s show, The Love Boat.

All showed up to support the doctor and share their fitness and weight loss stories.

Veteran songstress Patti LaBelle, who doesn’t mind sharing with fans the fact that she has diabetes, took to the stage to perform a medley of Patti favorites.

Gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams led the crowd of more than a hundred in a workout routine with her song, ‘I’ve Got The Victory’.   She told the crowd that particular song is about five minutes long.

“If you can move, walk, you can work out to that song.”  (Read what she told DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine about her health principles).

Ms. Adams led the audience in several simple movements that can be done while listening to her song (and music in general): taking herself low to ground, and back up – turning around – and moving her arms keeping in time with the rhythm of the music.

DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine interviewed several supporters of Dr. Ian’s 50 Million Pound Challenge to see how they are able to get fit and stay fit.  

When we asked Dr. Smith if he has plans to continue the challenge past the two year pilot, he replied, "We are working on that phase now."

The challenge, endorsed by the National Medical Association, and based on the premise that if one-quarter of 20 million overweight African-Americans lose just 10 pounds each, that will be 50 million pounds lost.

And honey, that ain’t necessarily a bad thing.