SC Ranks 8th in Obesity: One Group Fighting Fat

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Amid new numbers out about the climbing rate of obesity in South Carolina, a Midlands man shares his weight loss journey and issues a challenge to others. Based on figures recently released from the Robert Wood Foundation and Trust for America’s Health, 30% of South Carolinians are clinically obese and 65% are overweight. Chris Pedersen, a children’s pastor at NorthStar Christian Center in Northeast Columbia, felt this was a good time to share his personal journey of losing 75 pounds in 16 weeks and encourage others to get healthy. He and other members of his church are taking their anti-obesity message to the community at large by issuing a 90-day fitness challenge to anyone who wants to sign up. For $45, participants will receive necessary materials, advice from fitness experts and attend follow-up meetings to track their progress. They will also be able to ‘weigh in’ to view their weight loss. A special component of the program is designed for children. The fitness challenge begins in August, but registration is underway now. For more information, call 803-736-9250. NorthStar Christian Center is located at 711 Longtown Rd. Columbia. To view the complete story, clock on the video player icon.