How to make winners from losers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- --  As the popular trend of reality television catches the eyes of its viewer, one particular show has inspired the McConnell Health and Wellness Center to share the excitement.

With the HAWC's efforts to promote McConnell members to lead a healthier lifestyle, squadron agencies and units are competitively teaming up to see who can make the most progress in the Biggest Loser competition.

The Biggest Loser contest is based off the TV show where participants have the opportunity to find their inner motivation to shed their excess pounds.

The program originally started with ideas from McConnell and McGuire Air Force Base, HAWC's to help people keep off the pounds over the holiday season.

"The Biggest Loser program has been a life changing experience for me," said Rebecca Schlecht, Airman and Family Readiness Center staff and competition participant. "Two years ago I was at my heaviest weight and never thought I would be able to lose it. I began walking and the pounds started to come off, but soon I hit a plateau."

"Then, the AFRC took the biggest loser challenge against McGuire AFB in September and I was motivated by my coworkers and the HAWC to hit my goal weight I had established two years ago,"said Mrs. Schlecht. "By the end of the challenge, I hit my target weight."

Department of Defense civilians, dependants and spouses can also participate in the challenge.

The three month competition invites participants into the HAWC at the end of each week to record fitness progression.

"Together, we created a 12-week program that awards points based on weekly weight loss, daily steps taken and waist inches lost," said Michael Eichstadt, HAWC public health educator.

For McConnell members who are making New Years resolutions be fit, or just maintain their fit-to-fight warrior physique, finding motivation in co-workers may be a great way to jump-start a new goal.

"Anything or person that gets people moving toward their goal is beneficial," said Maribeth Havran, HAWC dietician. "It may be a friend, co-worker, relative, exercise classes or programs such as this that gets a person to start thinking about what they are eating and drinking and what their exercise habits are."


People should not watch the TV program and be discouraged by the site of the variety of personal trainers at the contestant's side or the many intricate pieces of expensive gym equipment. The HAWC provides tools as well for every person to succeed.

"We provide them knowledge and information about food, nutrition, exercise and behavior modification," said Mrs. Havran. "There are food and exercise diaries and Web sites that can aid with nutrient analysis and exercise goals along with ongoing feedback and support to help people with their efforts."

The HAWC suggests people set realistic expectations. By setting weight loss goals too high, people may loose motivation quickly because they do not see rapid results.

"If people start eating better and exercising for three weeks, and only lose three to five pounds, they often get frustrated and give up," said Mr. Eichstadt. "If they are realistic about weight loss goals and focus on making permanent lifestyle changes, then they are more likely to stay motivated in the long run."

Rather than the do-it-yourself struggle that some people may find themselves fighting to venture into the base physical fitness center, having a team of colleagues can provide some incentive with camaraderie.

"Working as a part of a team like this can provide additional motivation to help a person stay on track because they know they will not only be accountable to themselves, but to their team as well," said Mr. Eichstadt. "Exercising with a partner can also make the time go by quicker."

Though McConnell teams may not win a half million dollar prize, or claim their 15 minutes of fame on the silver screen, the benefits of weight loss may prove to give a longer sense of self gratification.

"A weight loss as small as five to 10 pounds can improve several health markers in an individual, which can lead to lower medical costs and an improved overall sense of well being," said Mr. Eichstadt.

"This has been an eye opening experience for me," said Staff Sgt. Cheyenne Jackson, 22nd Mission Support Group. "It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to set a weight loss goal and actually achieve it. I'm also convinced it's not about dieting; there has to be a lifestyle change."

For more information about the HAWC's Biggest Loser competition, other programs and classes, call 759-6024.