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It's been more than two weeks since the launch of the 50 Million Pound Challenge and already an impressive 19,452 pounds have been lost by more than 20,000 individuals across America.

Ian Smith, physician, New York Times bestselling author and VH1 "Celebrity Fit Club" expert, is the brainchild behind the weight-loss-challenge initiative geared toward blacks who are overweight or obese. The challenge, sponsored by State Farm, is considered to be one of the largest black-health initiatives undertaken. For more information, go to www.50millionpounds.com.

"Too many African Americans are dying from preventable illnesses," Smith said in a statement. "The challenge empowers people to help themselves by getting fit and losing weight that has frustrated so many for so long. It helps us take a giant leap forward towards leading longer, healthier lives."

According to the American Obesity Association (AOA), obesity rates are the highest among blacks and Latinos. Research performed by a 2006 Harris Interactive survey, found that 80 percent of adult black women and 67 percent of adult black men are overweight and studies suggest these numbers are rising.   

But with the help of the 50 Million Pound Challenge web site and a free Challenge Kit containing diet and exercise tips provided by Smith and State Farm representatives, organizers hope the challenge will inspire and motivate people to lose weight, especially blacks.

Obesity is an issue that hits home for many blacks suffering from some of the greatest health risks associated with carrying excess weight, such as heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and a number of other health-related problems, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Pam El, vice president of marketing at State Farm and spokesperson for the challenge, views the 50 Million Pound Challenge as the perfect opportunity for State Farm to give back to the community.

"The goal is to truly be neighbors in the community," says El. "I hope at the end of the day people will realize Dr. Ian has helped them lose weight with his healthy advice [and] that State Farm has helped make that happen."

More than 50 leaders both from the national civic and health sectors have joined the effort including the American Diabetes Association, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the National Urban League, the Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural & Minority Medicine, and the American Council on Exercise. Smith, State Farm and others plan to travel across the United States on a 14-city tour from April to November to encourage participation. Challenge supporter and Grammy-winner Patti LaBelle is among one of the celebrities endorsing the initiative. In a statement, LaBelle said: "The challenge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our people to come together and achieve something that will live on for generations. Getting your health together and losing weight is a very personal journey. It doesn't have to be a lonely one. The challenge is about helping people make the right choices and realize their dreams--to be their very best and enjoy a healthier life."

Participants can log on to the challenge web site for free and tally how much they've lost or gained. The weight-loss counter on the challenge's web site is updated every hour.

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