According to the American Obesity Association, 65 percent of Americans are overweight, and childhood obesity has risen 20 percent since 1964.� Medical conditions caused by obesity include heart disease, stroke, diabetes II and cancer.�

Lighten Up Georgia encourages healthier lifestyles through increased physical activity and proper dieting.� Teams competed on the basis of one or two categories, either by percentage of total team weight loss or accumulated activity in the form of miles traveled.�This year's top three teams in each category will be recognized at the 2005 Run For Life, located in Kennesaw, GA on Aug. 6.

Each Lighten Up Georgia participant is encouraged to attend the 2005 Volksmarch/Fun Walk, which takes place on July 9 at the Amphitheater/BMX track in Peachtree City.�All participants receive free entry into this year's 10k walk by wearing their Lighten Up Georgia t-shirt.�����

For more information on Lighten Up Georgia, contact the Georgia Games at 770-528-3580 or visit www.lightenupgeorgia.org .