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Health and wellness center staffs can assist with beneficial programs for people wanting to lose weight and improve physical conditioning. (U.S. Air Force file photo)
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'Biggest Loser' brings success to determined Airmen
Posted 6/15/2011
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by Margaret Breihan
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
6/15/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Several headquarters-based Airmen recently credited the health and wellness center's "Biggest Loser" program for helping them lose weight and bond with each other along the way.
The program is inspired by the hit television show that features contestants vying to shed the most pounds in a specified period of time.
"I have a job that takes up to 12 to 14 hours a day, a 3-year-old son, a husband and a dog ... and I still managed to lose weight," said Lt. Col. Kendra Mathews, the air staff strategic plans and programs executive officer and a contest participant. "You can lose weight ... no matter who you are."
Colonel Mathews, who went from a size 10 to a size 4 during the 12-week program, was not the only participant who lost weight.
"We had a total of 226 pounds lost, 43 body mass index points dropped and 50 percent points of body fat lost for the 53 individuals who came for the final weigh in," said Leah Stolbach, the Pentagon HAWC nutrition program manager who helmed the competition.
Ms. Stolbach, who holds a master of public health degree, and is also a registered dietician, asserted that in addition to weight loss, improved teamwork was a significant positive outcome of the event.
"Three others in my office were on my team and the challenge brought us closer together," Colonel Mathews said, adding that teamwork improved not only for the competition, but in their everyday work. "The bonding was impressive. Oftentimes I didn't want to work out but didn't want to let my teammates down by not getting the max points for the week."
Colonel Mathews and fellow participant Brig. Gen. James D. Demeritt said that though their military training strengthened their confidence, time management and discipline throughout the competition, necessity was also a motivator.
"The Air Force Fit Test is mandatory, so I need to stay in shape to accomplish it," General Demeritt said. "It does not get any easier as you get older and the Air Force sets high standards, for good reason."
The Pentagon program is the third military-based Biggest Loser competition to yield results, HAWC officials said.
Osan Air Base, South Korea, had a Biggest Loser competition in September of 2009. Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, ran the program from January to April 2011.
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