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Scott dubs ‘Biggest Loser’ After Weight Loss Competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
4/09/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- --  Three-hundred and nine individuals, who participated in the Biggest Loser competition, weighed-in to find out who made the biggest advances in losing the pounds.

The result was a total weight loss of 2,112.2 pounds, 904.8 pounds more weight lost than 2014's competition. The winners are:
Individual: Pam Deprey
Team: Pam's Team - Pam Deprey and Tina Woodcock

In second place for the team category is: Team Venture - Michael Pazarena and Alex Szafranski

One family decided to form a team, dubbed the 'Lean Seekers,' for the competition. Alex, his wife Sherry, and daughter, Kristie Karibian, knew it was time to step up their health endeavors and figured what better way than to participate in Biggest Loser.

Sherry Karibian, said, "We kind of fell off the wagon before, and it was time to get back on. Our goal was to trim down for health reasons, including a little motivation to feel great for an upcoming wedding we're going to. I have gotten into both cardio and strength training, and I'm staying away from too many carbs."

Sherry's husband, Alex Karibian, who works at Air Mobility Command as the KC-46A Lead for Facility Requirements, said, "I started recruiting for the competition and was able to get two teams together: one with my family and one at work. Having a fun competition helped on both fronts, for example, at work we started integrating sets of pushups throughout the day, and we've excelled on that. It kept the work day kind of entertaining, as well as breaking up any monotony. It helps to get everyone together and start thinking in the mindset of being physically fit."

When social pressures came up to revert back to old and unhealthy habits, Alex kept the bigger picture in mind.

"Everyone who went for that cupcake or doughnut, we responded with 'you go ahead,' because we're not going to. The team piece definitely helped to motivate us to move forward with our goals."

The organizers of Biggest Loser have seen that the team aspect strengthens an individual's drive to be accountable.

Kathy Steinbrecher, 375th Medical Group Health Promotion Dietitian, said, "The benefits of the Biggest Loser event is that it reminds us of the benefits of support, whether we receive the support from one or three others. Knowing that there are over 500 participants who also are striving to become more fit gives those in the competition a feeling that they are not alone. They gain a sense of community with the others and can find the help they need in Health Promotion programs."

Heather Braundmeier, 375th Medical Group Health Promotion Manager, agreed, saying the weight loss is a definite plus, but the support, camaraderie, and sense of belonging are what make this event great.