MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks launched Bucks Health and Wellness. The new holistic medical program is designed to prevent and combat obesity within underserved populations of Milwaukee.

It’s free to its participants and was created by the ownership of the Bucks, Dr. Elizabeth Sharp and the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation.

Sidney Williams is one of the first 100 participants in the program. He started last February and since then has lost 26 pounds. He said he’s proof the program works.

“I’m wearing a pair of pants that I haven’t been able to get into in six years and I feel comfortable in them and they’re not tight. So they’ve changed my life. I guess that’s a confidence thing too,” Williams said.

Sidney Williams is one of the first 100 participants in the program. He started last February and since then has lost 26 pounds. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

Williams got a full health assessment, including blood work and strength testing. He was also given a personalized weight loss plan to follow, including what foods to eat and what exercises would be best for him.

(Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

Participants do regular virtual and in-person follow-ups with a team of physicians.

“I think for the Black and Brown community of Milwaukee, this is going to be a game changer for us,” Williams said. “I don’t think we normally take heed to our physical health, so learning how to eat right and just work on our physical being is going to be great for our community,” he said.

So far, Bucks Health and Wellness has served about 100 people, with plans to eventually serve 1,000 people per year.

Sharp is the director of the program. She said more than 30% of adults in Wisconsin are classified as obese, and that number is even greater in Milwaukee County.

Dr. Elizabeth Sharp is the director of the program. She said more than 30% of adults in Wisconsin are classified as obese, and that number is even greater in Milwaukee County. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

“The exercise program is designed by the sports science team at the Milwaukee Bucks to be approachable and sustainable for any fitness level so that people in the community can be set up for success,” Sharp said.

Bucks president, Peter Feigin, said he believes people need to have access to personalized weight loss plans in order to live their best lives.

“We are the community… so part of us is in the growth of this city. The success of the Bucks is the success of Milwaukee,” Feigin said.

Williams said he’s grateful for this opportunity and won’t take it for granted.

“To not just do this for this time but for this to be my lifestyle, for this to be a part of me, because I’m 55-years-old today and I want to live a healthy life for as long as I possibly can,” said Williams.

If you are interested in participating in the program, click here.