Shaq’s Big Challenge Against Childhood Obesity

Another reality show, having no less than Shaq O’Neal as the motivator-in-chief, is targeting obesity. This time, it’s childhood obesity that’s being attacked by the “Shaq Attack”. The show is called “Shaq’s Big Challenge”, which airs every Tuesday (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

It seems like it’s no longer just the NBA team that Shaq is caring for nowadays, he’s also now all out for the children. He even created a TV series out of his concern for child obesity.

This big guy who’s won four times as an NBA champion confided that he’s seen the amazing statistics on childhood obesity and got inspired to do his part on making physical fitness more popular than junk food and inactiveness which are taking their toll not only on adults but unfortunately on kids, too, who are more prone to the feeling of being an outsider and other emotional effects that obesity brings.

In “Shaq’s Big Challenge” six “dangerously obese” Broward County, Florida middle school children spend six months shedding pounds, improving their eating habits, and, if the first two shows are any indication, learning — the hard way — to exercise. In the role of motivator-in-chief, O’Neal has assembled his own “dream team” of doctors, trainers, coaches and nutritionists to work with his recruits. Given the enormity of the mental and physical challenges these children face, they will need the team’s expertise and support.

Shaq’s Big Challenge childhood weight loss reality show is one move from Shaquille to help in creating a fitness plan for Florida, most specially for the kids. One of his concrete plans to make Florida middle school and high school students get compulsory physical education courses to help battle obesity.

[image from Lenny Furman]

Tags: Shaq, Shaq attack, obesity, Florida, physical fitness