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McGuire members take ‘biggest loser’ challenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. --  Team McGuire members recently proved reality TV's "got nothing on" them. 

McGuire Airman and Family Readiness Center competitors took on Team McConnell AFRC competitors in a friendly challenge to lose weight, with assistance from the McGuire Health and Wellness Center. It was their own version of the 'biggest loser' challenge. 

During the 12-week challenge, an eight-person team from each base started the competition with a baseline of the team's total weight and inches. Pedometers were worn to track total steps each day and encourage an increase in daily activity. 

Private weekly weigh-ins were conducted at the HAWC to determine total team weight and inches lost, as well as total steps. HAWC fitness and nutrition education classes were also offered to the participants. 

"After 12 weeks of hard work, McGuire AFRC personnel were the overall winners of the 'biggest loser' challenge," said Megan Brown, HAWC health education program manager. "They walked a total of 7,336,142 steps and lost a total of 82.6 pounds and 27.5 inches!" 

Ms. Brown said all of the participants showed excellent effort, teamwork and tons of progress. 

"The McGuire AFRC personnel showed true dedication and teamwork to achieve their goal as a flight," she said. "I have no doubt the participants in this challenge will continue on the path to healthy living and make these changes a part of their lives." 

The McGuire participants seem to agree. Tech. Sgt. Kevin Casciano, AFRC readiness NCO, who lost 25 pounds during the competition, said it was a necessary evil that helped him lose weight and become part of a team. 

"Of course, I participated in the competition because I wanted to lose weight, but also because I wanted to be part of the challenge set before us," Sergeant Casciano said. "The competition was really fun, though. Being involved with your co-workers, as a team, and helping to motivate each other really made it fun and kept you focused. In the end, I lost weight and feel much healthier." 

It was a tight competition, and Ms. Brown also praised McConnell AFRC personnel for their diligent efforts throughout the challenge. 

"McConnell AFRC personnel also deserve recognition for their tremendous efforts in walking 6,982,663 steps and losing a total of 69.8 pounds and 20.75 inches," Ms. Brown said. "Congratulations to both teams for making the decision to get healthy as a team and for keeping each other motivated throughout! 

"They should be an inspiration to everyone that healthy lifestyle changes can happen; all you have to do is take the first step to get there." 

Call the HAWC at (609) 754-2462 for information on fitness and nutrition education classes offered here.