By Elyssa Whaley/ne news editor
NE Campus’ counseling and testing center took on the Biggest Loser Challenge rewarding the top three winners with cash prizes.
“We went to health services and asked them to help us, and they did,” said TCC academic advisor Kim Eason.
Marilyn Lambert, registered nurse on NE, said health services mainly encouraged and supported counseling and testing services.
“We helped them add exercise and activity to their daily activity for the long run and helped them make healthy lifestyle changes instead of focusing on, for the moment, dieting,” Lambert said.
The participants were so happy with the results they decided to do another six-week challenge following spring break.
Lambert said they were pleased with the results from their first challenge. In total, the 21 participants lost 75 pounds.
Theresa Flores took first and won $123. Second place was Janis Stephens who won $66, and third-place winner Jackie Hon won $22.
Janis Stephens, student development assistant, said the challenge was to lose weight but also to eat healthier.
“We would have those days where we’d say, ‘I’d really like to have …’ but would joke it off. Believe it or not, the challenge has been fun,” Stephens said.
Flores, student development specialist, said the group members supported each other.
“We sit here and say it’s a competition, but we’re all pulling for everyone to do well,” she said.
Flores said she firmly believes anyone who wants to put in the work can lose weight.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of U.S. adults are overweight and will experience conditions that include heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Lambert said people trying to lose weight should start with portion control and focus on making gradual changes.
“Generally speaking, a lot of people don’t realize how much they eat, especially living in the supersize society we live in today,” she said. “Eat more fruits and vegetables. A lot of Americans don’t do this. Get in the habit of eating breakfast like oatmeal or a whole grain toast with peanut butter.”
Lambert said oftentimes food is an emotional and physical habit, and making sudden changes will make it more difficult to maintain the new lifestyle.
“Gradual changes are best,” she said.
The American Psychological Association has reported the group approach helps to lose weight because it is easier to stick to a weight-loss plan and share tips with friends or supporters with the same goal.
“I think being together as a group and working toward a common goal is easier,” Hon said.
