Losing to win! HAWC offers alternative solution for losing weight

  • Published
  • By Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover units have a chance to be winners by becoming the biggest loser through a squadron Biggest Winner contest in January sponsored by the 436th Aeromedical Dental Squadron Health and Wellness Center!

The contest is based off of the TV reality series 'The Biggest Loser,' to promote Dover's Healthy Weight Month.

"Every year, people may have a New Year's resolution to lose weight, but don't have the motivational support they need to continue their goal for weight loss," said John Walters, HAWC exercise physiologist. "This contest will keep you motivated by using teamwork to succeed in losing weight - transforming your body and health for life."

The HAWC is one way to help shed those unwanted winter pounds the healthy way, he said. To be crowned Dover's Biggest Winner, six Team Dover members will need to represent a squadron, losing weight together as a team. The competition is co-ed and will not include a female- or male-only category.

"Each individual can lose up to three pounds a week and a total of 25 pounds," said Mr. Walters. "Additional pounds lost will not count."

The contest will not be scored by the usual Air Force fitness scoring standards. Individual scores will be combined for an overall team score. The highest score determines the winner.

This may seem like an easy competition, after all, it's only three pounds a week. But many may discover difficulty lies in keeping the weight off, rather than losing weight.
Mr. Walters recommends competitors ask the HAWC for nutrition and fitness advice, as not everyone can achieve the same results for weight loss.

"Each person has their personal goals, and we can help them reach it according to their current fitness status," said Mr. Walters. "The HAWC is here to give exercise counseling for a long-term effect on weight loss. We want people to lose two pounds a week of fat, not water weight. This is about changing your lifestyle for the rest of your life."

Many believe starving themselves or following new fad diets will help them lose weight, said Kate Jennings, the HAWC's registered dietician.

But she recommends a high fiber, low-fat well-balanced diet for weight loss.

One Dover Airman shared why she strives for a healthy weight loss.

"I have had an injury which made it more difficult to maintain my fitness goals and this is a great way for me to start off right," said Maj. Karen Rader, 436th ADOS Flight Medicine Flight commander. "It's a healthy lifestyle change promoting fitness and camaraderie.

"This makes me committed because I wouldn't want to let my team members down."

Major Rader said she believes when everyone loses, everyone wins.

"The result of who wins isn't nearly as important as the benefits of becoming healthier through this competition," said Major Rader. "I think we'll all win because there's nothing better than winning a longer, healthier life. You can't get better than that."

The deadline to sign up is Dec. 21. Members will be weighed in and the contest will officially start Jan. 7. The contest ends March 7.

"This is great timing for the contest to begin after gaining the post-holiday weight," said Major Rader. "Now's your chance."