Big Daddy Weave’s lead singer and guitarist, Mike Weaver, is resolving to lose 90 pounds this year by launching the “90 in ‘09 Challenge.”

That may seem like a lot of weight for a member of an active band, but fans know that Big Daddy Weave was named after brothers Mike and Jay Weaver, who both admit to having “larger than average exteriors.”

“Our bodies are temples that God created,” says Weaver. “I want to restore and take better care of what He has provided, as well as create a place to motivate and teach others to do the same. With 90 in ’09 we’ll all be held more accountable because we won’t be able to hide the scales.”

In addition to signing on with the “90 in ‘09 Challenge” at www.90in09.com and following Weaver’s progress, fans can also join the health initiative by sending in their own photos and tracking their successes. Participants will have access to healthy food recipes, exercise techniques and more wellness information. Individuals can further meet the 90 in ‘09 support team including renowned wellness leaders Dr. Asa Andrew, also known as “America’s Health Coach,” and Scott Reall, YMCA Restore Ministries’ founder and executive director.

Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking, according to a CDC report, and is associated with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, arthritis, gallstones and certain types of cancer. Andrew further explains that 80% of health challenges people face today are diet and lifestyle related. Other statistics show that 65% of Americans are overweight while 35% are clinically obese.

“I look forward to working with Mike on restoring his health, as he is ready to GET WELL,” says Andrew. “We will be doing extensive diagnostic testing based on our Natural Medicine® Health Triangle. And I will be walking the road with Mike as he takes the radical steps necessary to meet all of his goals and lifestyle his way to good health. There is HOPE to get your health back!”

Media partners KLOVE radio network and HearItFirst.com are joining the 90 in ’09 challenge and will provide national promotion for the campaign. Weaver, Andrew and Reall will be featured throughout the year on the media outlets, giving updates and news on the challenge, in addition to video content to encourage participants.

Entering its eleventh year complete with all original members, Big Daddy Weave released its fifth studio project, What Life Would Be Like, last summer. The album’s title cut held a Top 10 position at radio for 19 weeks while peaking at the No. 3 spot.

The band hit the spotlight in 2002 when One and Only debuted in SoundScan’s Christian Top 5, the highest debut for a new artist that year. Garnering its first CHR No. 1 at radio with “Audience of One,” other chart-topping songs include “You’re Worthy Of My Praise” (What I Was Made For) and title cut, “Every Time I Breathe.” For more information, visit www.bigdaddyweave.com.

Known as America's Health Coach®, Dr. Asa Andrew is a physician who is board-certified, and has founded The Center for Natural Medicine. It is a renowned multi-specialty, integrated wellness clinic located in Nashville, TN designed specifically to help people attain and maintain extraordinary health. Dr. Asa is the author of the national best-selling book Empowering Your Health and is the host of a nationally syndicated daily radio talk show called Dr. Asa ON CALL. For more information, visit www.asaandrew.com.

Founded in 2000 by Scott Reall, Restore Ministries is part of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, a not-for-profit, worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping persons grow in spirit, mind and body. With 29 centers and 332 program locations, the YMCA reaches 260,918 lives throughout middle Tennessee it serves through membership, program participation, volunteerism and philanthropy. The YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. For more information, visit www.restoreymca.org.

Based near Sacramento, CA and operated by EMF broadcasting, KLOVE is one of the largest Christian music radio services in the U.S. with a goal to communicate the Gospel to lead as many people as possible toward salvation and spiritual growth. The network’s programming is carried on 412 FM stations and translators throughout the nation, reaching 1.5 million listeners, in addition to 125,000 more via the Internet each week. For more information, visit www.klove.com.