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‘Biggest Losers’ preparing for final weigh-in

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Part 2 in a series about the Biggest Loser Challenge.

For the last five years, the Health and Wellness Center at Scott has been challenging members to get fit and healthy through the Biggest Loser Challenge.

Members of Team Scott were invited to begin the program by weighing in from Jan. 27-31, in teams of two to four people. By the end of the week, 379 people had weighed in to compete in the Biggest Loser 5 Challenge, according to Kayce Beatty, 375th Medical Group HAWC health fitness specialist.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler, 375th Public Affairs NCOIC of photo operations, is participating in the challenge to get into better shape.

"I have been attempting to eat healthier and exercise more often," said Fowler. "It isn't always easy, and I fail sometimes. It takes a lot of work and effort, but it is worth it in the end."

He is on a team with Airman 1st Class Megan Friedl, 375th PA photojournalist, who is participating in order to challenge Fowler.

"I wanted to challenge myself and Sgt. Fowler to lose fat, tone muscle mass, and maintain an all-over healthier lifestyle," said Friedl.

To encourage a healthy lifestyle, the HAWC recommends using www.choosemyplate.gov.The website has healthy eating plans, tips on exercising, recipes, ways to eat healthy on a budget, nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and many activities for children.

Friedl works to maintain a healthy lifestyle by focusing on diet and exercise.

"I am building a healthier lifestyle by drinking more water and completely cutting out caffeinated drinks and soft drinks," said Friedl. "I am cutting down on eating out at restaurants, and I am limiting my sugar intake. For working out, I am increasing my cardio workouts to longer distances."

Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"I have been attempting to exercise more often, preferably at least four times a week," said Fowler.

The Air Force recommends moderate activity for at least 150 minutes a week for health benefits and 300 minutes a week for weight loss.

Teams competing in the Biggest Loser 5 challenge are all working toward a goal of losing 1,000 pounds collectively.

The final weigh-ins are from March 31 through April 4. For more information, contact the HAWC at 256-7139.