DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - In for a penny, in for a pound. That's an old expression meaning if you're going to go for it, go big. City leaders in Hernando are making a big push to get fit and they're not going at it alone. The parks department is organizing a weight-loss program for the entire town.
"Let's try to get all of Hernando involved," says Parks Director Dewayne Williams. He's a man on a mission. "I went to the doctor myself and found out my cholesterol was 237. I'm pre-diabetic and have history of cancer in my family."
Despite looking fit, doctors tell him he's considered obese. "According to BMI," he says. "I need to do better." Williams has been shocked into action, and came up with a plan to help others get fit with him.
"If people have other family members like me who may look healthy on the outside, but actually are not on the inside."
So far 146 people have signed up for the city-wide weight loss. The plan starts October 1st and runs through December 22nd. It's completely free and includes a health assessment and classes every step of the way.
"Working out, running, exercising, weight lifting and also nutritional classes, they're available too. People can come and learn ways to cook."
Williams says it's about fun, and making sure people are as healthy on the inside as they're going to look outside. "We want to enjoy losing weight and getting healthy."
Everyone sets a weight loss goal when signing up. In the end, they'll add up all the pounds and have one giant number for the city.
