Biggest Loser Competition challenges Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabatha McCarthy
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Health and Wellness Center at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., officially kicked off its 4th Annual Biggest Loser Competition Jan. 20.

Competition officials designed the program based on the television series "The Biggest Loser," which is geared toward losing weight and changing habits to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Participants will compete in six weekly events which will challenge and teach them about wellness, fitness and nutrition.

During the competition, HAWC personnel will teach competitors how to prepare healthy meals, stress management methods and the myths of fad dieting.

"We want to give people the tools to live a healthier lifestyle and have a better quality of life," said Penny Cook, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron health promotion program coordinator.

As Air Force Physical Training standards and combat deployments rise, active-duty members must strive to stay in top physical condition.

"Competitions like The Biggest Loser serve as a great avenue for structure physical training and an overall healthy lifestyle," said Staff. Sgt. Sara Howard, 20th Comptroller Squadron accounting liaison technician.

"This competition provides a better understanding about the nutrition your body needs in order to perform rigorous activities," Howard said.

While The Biggest Loser is structured to bring competition amongst its competitors, many participating hope to make permanent changes to their overall physical lifestyle.

"I expect to change my lifestyle and improve my fitness and eating habits," said Tech. Sgt. Catina Williams, 20th Medical Group NCO in charge of medical group commanders support staff.

The competition's final event will challenge teams to a Biggest Loser Dash, which will consist of a variety of races and timed challenges.

Team Shaw members had the option to compete as an individual or four-person team.

To determine the overall winner, teams and individuals will weigh in calculating toward total weight lost. Teams and individuals who have lost the most weight will climb to the
top of the winner's podium.