HAWC sponsors 2nd Biggest Loser Published Sept. 21, 2007 By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Shoguns are encouraged to become winners by first becoming losers during a contest being held here from Oct. 8 to Dec. 8. The Biggest Loser contest, sponsored by Kadena's Health and Wellness Center, is designed to reward participants who lose the most body weight in eight weeks. Participants will compete in five-member teams and provide moral support to each other. "Teams will work out together and watch what they eat," said Capt. Beverly Thomas, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron officer-in-charge at the HAWC. "We're encouraging people to work out together and build a lifestyle of fitness based on resources available at the HAWC." Although teams are encouraged to design their own workout routines and diet, HAWC staff will provide them with support and guidance. "We will offer basic classes on fitness and nutrition, so teams will get a general idea of what to do," said Captain Thomas. "Throughout the contest period, we will also give teams addresses to Web sites with helpful information and send e-mail with fitness tips." Progress will be tracked during monthly weigh-ins. Results will be sent to all teams via e-mail, giving participants the chance to check the leader board. "We'll take people's original body weight during the initial weigh-in, figure out how many pounds were lost, get the percentage and add up the totals for the teams," said Captain Thomas. Approximately 300 people participated in the previous Biggest Loser contest held last spring. Prizes went to the team that had lost the most weight, as well as to the individual male and female participants with the most weight loss. The contest is open to all Kadena members including active-duty, civilians and Department of Defense Dependent Schools employees, and families. Registration was conducted Thursday at the Schilling Community Center during the Health and Wellness Fair, but people can still register before Oct. 5 at the HAWC during normal duty hours. "I need to lose some weight before I go home for vacation, which is why I'm joining this contest," said Tracy Stull, wife of Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Stull, 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 15. "It's also important for me to get healthy and be a good role model for my children." "After I had my baby, my weight jumped by 43 pounds," said Melanie Mcclure, wife of Tech. Sgt. Chad Mcclure, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "I'm not comfortable with that and I want to get myself back to where I was before." Captain Thomas said the contest would be good for units in helping their people who are struggling with fitness, especially now that it impacts the officer and enlisted performance reports. "I really encourage unit physical training leaders to get involved, get their teams together and use this to inspire their people," said Captain Thomas.