Overlake Hospital Medical Center and Group Health will host the Seattle area’s third Walk from Obesity on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Bellevue Downtown Park, 1001 NE 4th St., Bellevue. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and KING 5’s Meeghan Black will be on hand to kick off the walk at 10:15 a.m.

The national Walk from Obesity was established by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation (ASMBS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) to increase awareness of obesity and those impacted by the disease. More than 70 cities across the U.S. will be holding similar walks in September and October.

According to the ASMBS, obesity is a serious health epidemic that affects one in three Americans. It is estimated that more than 93 million Americans are obese, with that number predicted to climb to 120 million in the next five years.

“Last year our Walk from Obesity in Bellevue had over 100 walkers and raised more than $18,000. The walk was extremely successful and we ranked ninth in the nation in money raised,” said Christina Armstrong, Bellevue Walk from Obesity coordinator and Overlake’s bariatric program manager. “This year we’re looking to triple the number of walkers and beat our fundraising totals from last year. We want to raise $50,000 for this great cause.”

In addition to the walk, the event will feature Dr. Robert Pretlow, author of “Overweight: What Kids Say: What’s really causing the childhood obesity epidemic?” The event will also include grand prizes of a one-year gym membership at David Barton Gym or a stay for two at Willows Lodge, a clothing exchange, live music and over 20 vendors with giveaways.

The cost to participate in the walk is $25 ($30 at the door), and kids under 12 are free. To register, visit www.walkfromobesity.com and click on the Bellevue site.

Walkers raise money by asking friends, family and co-workers to sponsor them. In addition to walker income, funds are raised through sponsorship, matching gifts, corporate contributions and other fundraising activities. Walkers are encouraged to join or form teams.

Funds raised through this event will support the ASMBS Foundation and the OAC in their efforts to increase funding for obesity research, improve awareness of the negative stigma associated with obesity and provide educational resources for those affected by this disease.