Conference staff weighs in, literally, each Thursday in a fitness program prompted by Oklahoma City’s mayor.

Mayor Mick Cornett challenged city residents to lose weight after news media reported high obesity rates in the state. Conference Treasurer Brian Bakeman and Healthcare Benefits Director Jan Tofani saw an opportunity to model healthy behavior for all Oklahoma United Methodists.

On Jan. 10, they launched the Conference Weight Loss Program at the United Methodist Ministry Center, 1501 N.W. 24th St., Oklahoma City. The program will conclude in May, just prior to the 2008 Annual Conference.

At the 2008 Annual Conference, two events will highlight health. A Walk for Wellness will follow a route between Tulsa’s Boston Avenue and First United Methodist churches. Free Health Check screenings will be available to Conference insurance plan participants.

As of Feb. 26, staff members enrolled in the program had lost a total of 39 pounds, according to the Conference Health Benefits Office.

Participation and weekly reporting are voluntary. Each person received a card on which to privately track his or her weight.

"The goal is to create an environment of health in the workplace where everyone will feel comfortable to discuss their weight-loss journey, including obstacles, triumphs, stepping stones, and eventually that goal," said Tofani. "We also hope to increase overall health, fitness, and weight loss by exercising more."

Some exercise equipment has been donated to the ministry center by staff members. Also, Oklahoma City University has offered staff the use of a walking track and workout equipment at nearby Freede Wellness and Activity Center.

Nationally, research shows increased health risks for clergy in mainline Protestant denominations when compared to the general population, due to higher levels of obesity, stress, and depression. This research was reported in a story from Religion News Service, published Feb. 1 in United Methodist Reporter. The story noted the Clergy Health Initiative has been launched by Duke Divinity School. The seven-year effort seeks to study and improve the health of 1,600 United Methodist clergy in North Carolina.

Robin Swift, who is directing that program, said the goal would have pleased John Wesley, a physician and the founder of Methodism. Wesley emphasized that physical and spiritual health are intertwined.

Improving clergy health also is driven by rising costs for medical care. More than $4 million of the 2007 Apportionment was required for Oklahoma Conference’s Health Benefits Fund. Total budget for all Conference funds that year was $15.5 million. (Statistics from the 2007 Journal)

Anyone is welcome to join the campaign to lose weight before Annual Conference, Tofani said. "As health costs continue to climb, the staff challenges clergy and laity across the state to participate. Everyone will be a winner."

She shared these points about losing weight: