BLOOMINGTON - What began as a State Farm Insurance Cos.' effort to increase its number of African-American policyholders has become a life-improving program for 700,000 Americans.

State Farm on Thursday celebrated the success so far of Dr. Ian Smith's 50 Million Pound Challenge - which State Farm sponsors nationwide - as well as the insurer's employee wellness program, Live Well Be Well.

On hand for Thursday's celebration at State Farm Corporate South were Smith, a physician, author and VH1 Celebrity Fit Club diet expert; Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton and Normal Mayor Chris Koos; local health and fitness professionals; and hundreds of State Farm employees, many wearing red "Live Well Be Well" shirts. The celebration was streamed in a Webcast to thousands of State Farm employees nationwide.

Since the 50 Million Pound Challenge began, 700,000 Americans have signed up at www.50millionpounds.com and have lost 3 million pounds, Smith told State Farm employees. The challenge targets African-Americans, who are at increased risk of weight gain, but is open to anyone.

Smith thanked State Farm employees "for helping people to change their lives."

Since Live Well Be Well began in January, 11,324 State Farm employees nationwide have lost more than 81,000 pounds, said Maureen Davis, State Farm assistant vice president in systems. In Bloomington-Normal, about 1,000 State Farm employees have lost 11,000 pounds, said Sheri Gatto, State Farm wellness coordinator.

"It's been overwhelming," said Dr. Stephen Kindred, State Farm medical director and a primary care physician at Medical Hills Internists, Bloomington.

The program is important because weight loss reduces a person's risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers, Smith and Kindred said.

Live Well Be Well includes tobacco cessation, nutrition, weight management and exercise programs, as well as health screenings and flu shots, Kindred said. State Farm also is working to increase the number of healthier choices in the cafeteria and vending machines, he said.

Among program participants recognized was Denise Hodges, a State Farm employee from Bloomington.

Hodges, 53, who designs computer systems, told The Pantagraph that her cholesterol, blood pressure and weight gradually increased over the years but she always convinced herself "to go on a diet tomorrow." When Live Well Be Well began, she decided that tomorrow had come.

She joined two Live Well Be Well teams, attended programs, and began walking an hour a day, usually around the lake at Corporate South and sometimes in the basement there. She also began limiting herself to eating 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day, began eating more fruits and vegetables and less white bread and fried foods.

She declined to give her weight but said she's lost 60 pounds since January.

While Hodges would like to lose 20 more pounds, she said she feels better, has more energy and endurance, and looks better.

"I think it's great that this has become part of our corporate culture," she said.

Hodges' advice for people considering a healthier lifestyle is: "Just start because the results will motivate you."

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By the numbers

3 million

Number of pounds lost so far by 700,000 Americans participating in the State Farm-sponsored 50 Million Pound Challenge

81,000

Number of pounds lost by 11,324 participating State Farm employees nationwide

11,000

Number of pounds lost by 1,000 participating State Farm employees in Bloomington-Normal

SOURCES: Dr. Ian Smith, Maureen Davis, Sheri Gatto