Jared Fogle, who lost 245 pounds 10 years ago through exercise and
dieting and has kept it off for nearly a decade, is the star attraction
at the culmination of Fresno State’s 2008 Spring Wellness Challenge
Celebration.
At 11 a.m. May 1, he will speak at the Free Speech Platform at California State University, Fresno, about his challenges as a 425-pound student at Indiana University and what life changes he made to lose so much weight. He also will present prizes to students who participated in a number of Wellness Challenge activities over the past several months.

Publicity about his story has made Jared synonymous with his diet that included two Subway® sandwiches daily and increased walking. He continues to eat a low-fat diet and walks, healthy lifestyle choices that have helped him maintain a weight of 190 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame since 1999. Jared also became the “face of Subway” appearing in TV commercials and print ads and telling his story to groups and at Subway restaurants, one of which is on the Fresno State campus.

The Wellness Challenge is part of the effort by University Health and Psychological Services to educate students to live healthier and happier lifestyle choices. Among the recommendations are more exercise and less sedentary time; walking or bicycling instead of driving; trying new, more healthful foods; regular quiet time; and accenting success and things that give meaning and focus to life.

“Wellness is not just one thing, but the sum of many choices that we all can make,” said Kathy Yarmo, Fresno State’s campus wellness coordinator with University Health and Psychological Services in the Student Health Center. “The important thing is that we break old habits that hold us back physically or emotionally and adopt healthier habits that will help us succeed, gain confidence and live more-satisfied and fulfilling lives.”

Because Jared’s story is one that touches various aspects of wellness, he has a special connection with those who participated in the Wellness Challenge at Fresno State.

“We’re grateful to Subway for bringing Jared to campus to help us call more attention to what our students are doing for their own well-being,” said Yarmo. “Jared’s very well-known among students and his story is an inspiration to people of all ages in meeting their personal wellness challenges.”

Joining Subway as off-campus sponsors of the Wellness Challenge are insurers Aetna, Blue Cross of California and California State Automobile Association (AAA).

The Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market at Fresno State and Dairy Processing Unit will provide complimentary ice cream during the celebration. Both units give hands-on experience to students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. Other campus organizations joining University Health and Psychological Services in sponsoring the event are Associated Students Inc. and University Dining Services.

For more information about Fresno State’s Wellness Challenge Celebration, call Kathy Yarmo at 559.278.6739 or e-mail
kyarmo@csufresno.edu <mailto:kyarmo@csufresno.edu> .