Warren members shed pounds, bulk up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daryl Knee
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The second annual Warren Biggest Loser competition is scheduled to begin today at 11:15 a.m. in the Freedom Hall Fitness Center. 

For the event, contestants, active-duty military and civilians, are randomly assigned to groups and then compete to see which of those groups can lose the most collective weight by March 31. 

"The goal is to make a lifestyle change," said Staff Sgt. Anita Bostic, fitness center specialist. "Of course people can lose the weight during the competition, but we're looking for a change that will continue long after the Biggest Loser is over." 

For three months, contestants will have to push themselves to work out, Sergeant Bostic said. With weekly weigh-ins and a mandatory group workout once per week, the team members should have the focus to lose the weight. Also, as extra motivation, surprise prizes are awarded during the competition at unannounced times. 

The Biggest Loser is a starting point, she said. "You won't be able to make all the necessary changes for a lifestyle turn around in this three-month period," the sergeant said. "But, it's an opportunity to learn about exercise habits to better your overall health and life. If you have been inactive for a long period, this is only the start." 

"When deciding to become more active, you really want to look at the complete person," said Cindy Mulcahy, Warren's Health and Wellness Center director and dietician. "A 7 percent fat loss doesn't always mean a total body image adjustment. It's the small gradual changes to prevent illness and better overall quality of life that the Biggest Loser focuses on." 

During October of 2008, Col. Mike Morgan, 90th Missile Wing commander, e-mailed to his wing statistics of Warren's overweight ratios. Since then, the percentage of males overweight, BMI of 25 to 29.9, has risen from 46 percent to 46.8, and females 30.5 percent to 30.6. 

"If your 'blues' are a bit tight or you don't like your BMI result, the folks at the Health and Wellness Center stand ready to help," he said. 

This is a chance to change forever, Sergeant Bostic said. 

For more information or to sign up for the competition, call the Freedom Hall Fitness Center at 773-6172.