Star Jones Hosts New BET Special On Obesity Amongst African-Americans

November 11, 2009 8:13 a.m. EST

Jackson, MS (CNS) - Star Jones has kept relatively quiet on the issue of weight. The controversial figure kept mum on how she got her figure, although later on she admitted to undergoing gastric bypass surgery. But Jones wants to inspire people to get healthy no matter how they do it, especially African-Americans who currently have the highest rates of obesity compared to other racial groups.

In a new BET special, "Heart of the City: Dying to Eat in Jackson," Jones takes viewers to Jackson, Mississippi, one of the cities in what's been called America's fattest state. The special reveals hard-hitting facts about obesity and even the cultural and socioeconomic issues which leads to 1 out of every three Jackson residents to be overweight or obese.

"I used to be scared to step out there on the issue of Obesity but I realized that I wasn't being fair because I have a public platform and I need to use it for good," said Jones. "I am not the 'poster child' for a specific weight loss method but I am a true advocate for adopting a healthy lifestyle because with all humility, doing so has saved my life."

The special, hosted by former "The View" co-host Jones, will also include personal accounts and information from experts and doctors on the current hot topic of weight. "Heart of the City: Dying to Eat in Jackson" airs on BET on Sunday, November 15th at 10pm ET/PT.