The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians. Obese individuals are at increased risk for many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. According to CEDIK 2014 county profile report, the obesity rate in Edmonson County is 33.6%. In addition, 29% of individuals in Edmonson County report being physically inactive.

The Edmonson County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered an online-based 10- week walking challenge program for participants in Edmonson and Hart County. The Hart County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences offered in person weekly meetings for Hart County participants that did not want to utilize technology for the program. The Edmonson County agent maintained a private Facebook group for participants where educational information from the Cooperative Extension Service was available for participants to view at their convenience. Information from the Couch Potato Challenge was also utilized. Participants used ChallengeRunner to track their steps, active minutes, and complete weekly challenges.

There were 42 participants. As a group, they walked 16,306,201 steps, which is approximately 7,720 miles. They had 91,509 active exercise minutes and lost a total of 115 pounds.  Completed post surveys showed that:

100% of participants lost or maintained weight

86% improved their health indicators (cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, blood glucose)

100% planned to get 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week after the program ended.

One participant, who is still recovering from the side effects of a stroke, reported that the past winter had been difficult and that they had fought depression, gained weight, and their blood pressure became dangerously high. Having been involved in competitive sports before their stroke, they saw the Walking Challenge as an opportunity to be competitive again. They were the overall winner. In addition to winning they lost 13 pounds, lowered their blood pressure, and their depression lessened.

Another participant testimony:
"The walking challenge that the Edmonson County Extension Office provided was amazingly motivating!! The weekly challenges inspired you each week to focus on one area. This allowed you to have a beginning to an overall healthy journey. All the challenges together help with having a healthier lifestyle! I lost weight and my entire family become more physically active."