One Brooklyn Health held its inaugural Obesity Walk on Saturday at the Obsborn Park track field in Brownsville.

The walk not only supports patients undergoing weight loss but also promotes having a healthy lifestyle through exercise and eating well.

OBH Brookdale Campus is the home to the hospital’s bariatric program, which recently received a Center of Excellence award.

Dr. Theadore Hufford, director of the Bariatric Center at One Brooklyn Health, helps his patients on their weight-loss goals.

“Everyone thinks about a race being something that you have to run,” he said. “As long as you get to the finish line – it’s all about the journey and not the destination.”

Right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 42% of the U.S. is experiencing obesity. With that can come heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

Exercise helps, but not by itself.

“A well-balanced diet is important, but protein, protein, protein,” Hufford said. “Don’t be afraid to go to the doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Participants and supporters at the walk received an OBH medallion for their participation.