ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Sighs and whispers could be heard as approximately 40 combined military and civilian members, comprised of eight teams from the 316th Force Support Squadron, stood in line for their final weigh-in Oct. 15.
However, their fears gave way to a wave of supportive applause after they received their total weight loss at the conclusion of a voluntary 12-week weight-loss program.
Named after, but based loosely on the "Biggest Loser'"reality television show, the members were divided into eight teams and their goal was to lose the highest percentage of their starting body weight.
In the beginning, the then 316th Services Squadron, started with approximately 100 participants, but eventually ended with only 40 percent of the volunteers in the now newly formed 316 FSS.
"Basically the Force Support Squadron put the "Biggest Loser" contest together in hopes of improving the health and lifestyle of our personnel," said Ron Kisselovich, 316 FSS assistant deputy of operations. "The FSS motto is 'Fight-Respond-Serve,' and participating in an event like this helps to ensure our folks, both military and civilian, are capable of answering the call when called upon," added Mr. Kisselovich.
The following rules were in place to help the members in meeting their commitments. 1. The team winner would be decided on percent of body weight lost, not total weight. 2. On the initial weigh-in, members could wear any clothing of their choice. 3. Team weigh-in was held every Monday. If they were not present for weigh-in, the previous week weight was used; no exceptions. 4. They would not disclose anyone's weight, only announce gain or loss results. 5. Weekly results were posted via FSS-All e-mail, following each weigh-in. 6. A traveling Pink Pig trophy went to the weekly Biggest Loser. 7. Final weigh-in at week 12.
Throughout the contest the members were provided with health, fitness tips, web sites, nutritional recipes and helpful hints. They were even encouraged to police each other for bad eating habits.
"We found the contest to be an exceptional motivational and team-building tool," said Mr. Kisselovich.
At the end of the 12-week competition, the winning team was "Thinspiration," who won with a total team weight loss of 60.2 pounds or 7 percent. Congratulations to Ms. Valerie Halseth, Ms. Donna Artley, Ms. Portia Fennell, Ms. Lisa Morton and Ms. Sharnte Crown from the Base Education and Training Education Office.
The three biggest individual losers were Mr. Ron Kisselovich, who lost 27.8 pounds, 13.20 percent, Ms. Jennifer Luster, 25.2 pounds, 12 percent and Ms. Lisa Morton, 17.6 pounds, 9.7 percent. The 40 participants lost a total of 268.7 pounds.
The challenge produced competitive spirits and fostered some impressive "losers." Members who lost only a couple of pounds also benefitted from the experience.
"When I was told FSS was to host the competition the 'Biggest Loser,' I could not wait to compete," said Jennifer Luster, 316th Mission Support Group secretary, the second "Biggest Loser."
"The competition provided good morale and the opportunity for not only military but civilians to become a part of the 'fit-to-fight' program," said Ms. Luster. "The weekly weigh-in provided everyone an ego boost and the determination to continue. More importantly, this competition provided me all the ingredients I required to help motivate me to lose weight and to also keep the weight off," said Ms. Luster. "Losing the weight has given me a burst of energy and more pep in my step and I plan to lose an additional 10 pounds."
One of the motivating forces behind the FSS's interest in the competition was Mr. Ron Kisselovich's prior experience as a body builder and national Energy Athletics Strength competitor.
"Lt. Col. Teresa Forest wanted me to implement a fitness program," said Mr. Kisselovich. "She thought it would be a great to hold the 'Biggest Loser' contest within our own unit," Mr. Kisselovich added.
"The 'Biggest Loser' competition was a great experience for the unit," said Colonel Forest, 316 FSS commander. "We started it as a way to challenge ourselves to further improve our fitness and positively impact the mission, but it had secondary benefits of building cohesion and morale across the squadron," said Colonel Forest. "We'll definitely do it again, maybe starting in January or February, to see who has maintained their new physique and include any "newbies" who are up for the 'Biggest Loser' challenge."
The 316 FSS also has another fitness challenge to promote morale, cohesion and mission readiness. It conducts a 10-Mile Club for novice and avid runners every Wednesday. The club starts out with gradual runs and slowly works up to ten miles. The runs are open to all 316 FSS military and civilian members and are performed at random locations and vary in intensity to keep them interesting. The club's goal is to complete a 10-mile run.