Biggest Loser Challenge motivates Scott AFB to get fit Published June 3, 2010 By 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs 375th AMW SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Health and Wellness Center at Scott kicked off its first Biggest Loser challenge, a base-wide fitness competition, May 24. During the next three months 30 teams will compete against each other for the most workout participation and weight loss points. The competition began last week with the initial weigh-in for each team. From each weigh-in, participants were told what a healthy amount of weight, if any, would be for them to lose. The competitor pool is not made up of only those who have a lot of work to do in the fitness arena, but also those who already have an active lifestyle. "Biggest Loser competitors come in all shapes and sizes," said Christine Cooley, HAWC health promotion dietitian and the project lead for the challenge. "We have participants who want the extra help in meeting their fitness test scores and those who simply want to maintain their current level of fitness while having fun with their co-workers." Participants receive one point for every 15 minutes of cardio or one point for every 30 minutes of strength training and can also receive points for attending select HAWC classes. Competitors who have weight to lose are given a goal to lose five percent of their body weight over the course of the summer through healthy diet and exercise habits. Those who do so will receive 20 extra points toward their final total. The final weigh-ins for the challenge are scheduled for Aug. 16 and 17. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams for overall weight loss as well as for overall points earned. To follow select participants' journey to a healthier lifestyle check out 375th AMW's blog at scottafb.blogspot.com.