BIGGEST LOSER COMPETITION

First Ever “Y Not Be the Biggest Loser” Contest a Success!

In January, 135 individuals embarked on a journey to improve their health by reducing their weight and body fat. Over the course of the next twelve weeks, those individuals would lose a grand total of 976 pounds! These hard working people literally lost a TON of weight! Weekly weigh-ins as well as a variety of fitness and diet workshops were held throughout the twelve week program. Total percentage of both weight loss and body fat loss were used in the calculations to determine the winners. A $1,000 gift certificate from the Travel House in Quincy to plan a vacation of ones own choosing was the grand prize for both the male and female “biggest loser.” In addition, the top team of four received $400 in cash.

Jason Sorrells, the male ‘biggest loser’ had a total percentage loss of weight and body fat of 38.13%, barely edging out Ron Wort in second place at 37%. In regards to his eating habits, Sorrells stopped drinking soda and also cut out all pastries, including donuts and cookies. He also started eating salads before every meal. “I worked out anywhere between one and one and a half hours six days a week,” Sorrells adds. “The encouraging and welcoming staff at the YMCA always made me feel happy to go.” Sorrells plans to use the winnings to take a family vacation to Florida. Third, fourth and fifth place finishers in the men’s division included Todd Bolton, Brett Henry and Matt Dearwester.

Winners of the “Y Not Be the Biggest Loser Contest” Andrea Dearwester and Jason Sorrells.

The female ‘biggest loser’ was Andrea Dearwester, with a total weight and body fat percentage loss of 31.68%. Nicole Musson finished right behind her with a percentage loss of 28.1%. The changes Dearwester made in her lifestyle included increasing her workouts from four times per week to six or seven, as well as increasing their intensity. With the help of Jeff Summers, YMCA program director, she learned new weight training options as well as increased her protein intake to help reduce her body fat percentage. In addition, after speaking with Diana Lauzon, community wellness coordinator, she also increased her fruits and vegetables, reduced both sweets and foods high in fat. “The YMCA staff were very encouraging every day I came to the Y,” states Dearwester. “My family was also very supportive. We can’t wait to use the $1,000 to take a trip this fall.” Third through fifth place finishers in the women’s division included Christy Sims, Kathy Wilson and Sue Flynn.

“Biggest Loser” team winners Ron Wort and Booky Howell.  Absent from the picture includes Greg Wort and Jeff Rupert.

The YMCA also gave individuals the opportunity to compete as members of a team. Many found this valuable for the accountability aspect. The winning team, who named themselves “Big and Not Tall” consisted of Ron Wort, Booky Howell, Greg Wort and Jeff Rupert. Second place team members included Brett and Brittany Henry, Randi Humes and Seth Vermillion. Third place team members included Jason Sorrells, Andrew Llewellyn, Bill Llewellyn and Butch Sorrells.

To encourage the continuation of these new healthy habits, the YMCA is offering a secondary incentive prize to all who weighed in on the final day. A second ‘final’ weigh-in will take place in December. For all those that have remained at or below their percentage taken in April, their name will be placed in a drawing to win a free year’s membership in 2009.

Hat’s off to all our participants who created new healthy lifestyle habits through participation in the first ever ‘Y Not Be the Biggest Loser’ contest. Congratulations on your ‘losses’! Keep up the great work!