On Wednesday, July 21, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham and Dr. Aletha Maybank, assistant commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at a Borough Hall press conference to kick off the 2010 "Lighten Up Brooklyn" campaign. The anti-obesity and healthy lifestyle initiative, supported by Boar's Head Provisions, was launched by BP Markowitz nine years ago, long before the The Biggest Loser, Celebrity Fit Club and other TV weight loss programs.

"Brooklyn is facing a real epidemic of obesity: one of six New York City adults is obese, and the rates go up to 30 percent in some Brooklyn communities," said BP Markowitz. "Child obesity is especially high, with one out of every five kids being overweight. And I say every year—it's not about being skinny, it's about being fit."

"Boar's Head has a longstanding commitment to producing healthy, high quality and great tasting deli products," said RuthAnn LaMore, director of communications for Boar's Head. "We are proud to support initiatives that help create awareness about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices through good eating habits and physical fitness."

At the kickoff event, Brooklynites lined up for the first in a series of eight weigh-ins around the borough through July 28. For more information on Lighten Up Brooklyn and a complete schedule of weigh-ins, visit www.brooklyn-usa.org.