Hi, I'm Ronnie Agnew. I'm executive editor of The Clarion-Ledger, and ever since I turned 40 I have struggled with my weight.
As a native Mississippian, I know I'm not alone in this. Nearly two-thirds of us are either obese or overweight.
I'm well aware of the health problems this can lead to. Obesity and heart disease both run in my family, and my mother died of heart disease at 54.
My goal for the next year is to get fit ‚ for my health's sake and for my family's sake. My goal is to lose the weight I need to and then keep that weight off.
I know I can't do it alone, and that's why I've joined a weight-loss support group and this Web site to help me reach my exercise, diet and fitness goals. I hope you'll do the same.
The challenge this Web site offers us is to move Mississippi off the top in obesity. If together we lose just one percentage point as a state, it means we will no longer be the worst in the nation.
You don't have to go on this journey alone. Consider this Web site your companion on your "get fit" journey.
You'll have journals where you can list the foods you eat each day as well as your physical activities. These tools were designed to help you monitor your eating and exercise habits, to keep you on track in your journey.
This site will also help you keep track of your weight (as well as the many pounds that other Mississippians lose).
As you progress with your goals, please share your success story with us, along with before and after pictures if you'd like.
We know it's a big commitment, but that's what this is all about ‚ making total lifestyle changes so that you can lose weight and keep it off. Let us help you, and together we can get Mississippi closer to where it needs to be.
