“American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard may be Alabama’s biggest loser… when it comes to pounds. Studdard’s recent weight loss of more than 100 pounds is serving as inspiration for a new weight loss program targeted at residents of his home state.
The 28-year-old singer just unveiled his new plan to help overweight Alabama residents, telling them that he wants them to follow in his footsteps. According to local newspapers, the “Velvet Teddy Bear” – whose third album, “The Return,” was released in October – is asking the 25% of Alabama’s overweight residents to shed 10 pounds in eight weeks.
The program’s official name is: “Scale Back Alabama” and is sponsored by Alabama’s hospitals, the Alabama Department of Public Health and Barber Diaries. The statewide campaign is due to kick off January 4th with an event starring Studdard. If all goes well and the 8-week plan works, local health officials say the state will lose a total of 10 million pounds.
Studdard told local reporters he is thrilled to be a part of what could be a life-saving campaign for residents of his home state.
“I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on the right track, and I’m excited about encouraging other Alabamians to begin their own weight-loss journeys, the Idol winner, told reporters.
Studdard went on to share that his own weight-loss success was based on a regimen of diet and exercise. The singer also revealed that the impetus for his dramatic weight loss was the fact that he has a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure among other health problems. He said once he saw the importance of getting into shape it was easy to stay focused on his goal.
“I felt like it was necessary for me to combat those issues at a young age before it became a bigger issue,” Studdard said. “I went to this place called Duke Diet & Fitness Center for a month and learned how to change my eating habits.”
Now he says he feels “better than ever” and hopes his story will inspire others to make the change in their own lives.
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