HLC Recognizes Oklahoma City for Becoming One of Nation’s Fittest Cities

The Healthcare Leadership Council presented its Wellness Frontiers Award to the population of Oklahoma City which, responding to a challenge from its mayor, achieved a collective weight loss of over one million pounds. HLC uses its Wellness Frontiers Award to recognize the achievements of public and private sector organizations that break new ground in achieving wellness and prevention of chronic illnesses.
Oklahoma City was once cited by a national magazine as one of the fattest cities in the country. City leadership responded by creating a new park, jogging trails and gym facilities and working with restaurants to place healthier food items on menus. The city’s cumulative weight loss has gained widespread acknowledgement of the city as one of America’s fittest. HLC said bold actions like these are essential to combat the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and pulmonary disease.