Annual weight loss challenge ends with successes Published April 23, 2014 By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- After three months of training and a final weigh-in, 197 participants in Scott's Biggest Loser 5 Challenge lost a total of 1,207 pounds. Kym Velazquez, U.S. Transportation Command and Defense Information Systems Agency field office management assistant, completed the competition and won first place in the individual competition and her team won second place in the team competition. "The Blums" won first place in the team competition. "I feel that I have made a lifestyle change and not just for the competition," said Velazquez. "Just because it's over doesn't mean I've started eating poorly again. I have lost even more weight since the end of the competition." Her husband, Master Sgt. Angel Velazquez, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical craftsman, competed in the challenge as well. He took part in the challenge for the friendly competition, an upcoming physical fitness test, and to support his wife. "It's a good motivator to keep moving," he said. "Healthy living is a lifestyle change, find what motivates you and lean hard on it." Both husband and wife made lifestyle changes through diet and exercise. They cut out high carb foods from their diets and added more cardio, they both said. Scott's Health and Wellness Center put on the challenge with a goal of participants losing 1,000 pounds. "The purpose of the Biggest Loser Challenge is to jump-start the new year with a friendly competition to re-engage people in healthy lifestyle habits," said Staff Sgt. Gabriela Patterson, 375th Aerospace Medical Squadron HAWC NCO in-charge. Patterson enjoyed hearing the success stories of the participants and watching them achieve their goals. "It's the best feeling to know we helped inspire them," she said. "It's nice to hear people wanting to continue healthful habits for the future." The HAWC plans to continue the program annually. "My sincerest thanks and congratulations on behalf of the HAWC staff, not only to our winners, but to everyone who completed the program," said Patterson. "Everyone worked very hard and their hard work and dedication led to the continued success of the program."