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Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
For Immediate Release: February 9, 2010
NBC's 2009 Biggest Loser Broken Arrow resident Danny Cahill addresses
the state Senate.
NBC's 2009 Biggest Loser Broken Arrow resident Danny Cahill discusses
Oklahoma's obesity problem.
Legislature Honors Biggest Loser
The Oklahoma Legislature honored NBC’s 2009
Biggest Loser Danny Cahill today with a resolution recognizing his
record-breaking weight loss. Sen. Bill
Brown and Rep John Trebilcock presented Cahill with Senate Concurrent
Resolution 38 applauding him for losing 239 pounds in seven months
– a record in itself on the hit television series that is
now in its ninth season.
“Danny’s strength and determination through this process
was such an inspiration for so many across the nation and especially
here in Oklahoma,” said Brown, R-Tulsa. “We have an
obesity epidemic that is costing our country and state millions
of dollars each year, but more importantly it’s tragically
cutting thousands of lives short. I’m glad the Biggest Loser
and people like Danny are helping raise awareness of this health
problem and giving people the courage to make a change.”
Like most Americans, Cahill had struggled with his weight for most
of his 40 years. Not only did his weight affect his health, but
it also put a stop to his music career which included playing with
names such as Donnie Osmond and PC Quest who reached Billboard’s
top 40 and was signed with RCA Records.
"I was a sinking ship...a lost cause...until I learned to love
myself again and make my health a priority,” said Cahill.
“Thanks to the Biggest Loser, I not only lost 239 pounds in
less than seven months, but I got my dream of music back, as well
as a platform to motivationally speak and help millions of others
reach their potential and achieve their goals. This is an incredible
journey that is far from over!"
Since winning Biggest Loser, Cahill now spends his time traveling
around the country as a motivational speaker and has began focusing
on his music career recording his first song, “Second Chance”.
“I’m proud of Danny for being such a great role model
for his family and the millions of viewers that followed him throughout
his weight loss journey,” said Trebilcock, R-Tulsa. “Not
only are we dealing with people dying at a young age because of
their weight, we’re also dealing with the tremendous costs
of obesity. As a country, we need to follow in Danny’s footsteps
and work towards living healthier lifestyles.”
According to the United Health Foundation, Oklahoma is the 49th
most unhealthy state in the country. Over 31 percent of Oklahomans
are obese, and that number is expected to increase to over 56 percent
by 2018.
Based on data collected through the Behaviorial Risk Factor Surveillance
System (BRFSS) and the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey
(NHANES), it is estimated that over $79.4 billion is spent annually
due to obesity in the U.S. With the projected increase in obesity
levels, this number could increase to nearly $344 billion by 2018,
or about $1,424 per citizen. In Oklahoma, it’s estimated that
$1.07 billion is spent on obesity each year and that number is expected
to increase to $5.1 billion in 2018, or about $1,906 per Oklahoma
adult.
For more information contact:
Sen. Brown: 405-521-5602
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