Lose pounds, inches with Biggest Loser Competition Published Jan. 19, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- With the new year in full swing and holiday resolutions already being broken, the 4th Force Support Squadron fitness center staff has a program to put those who are wavering in their resolve to drop a few pounds or inches back on track. Their 90-day Biggest Loser Competition is about to kick-off and it is not too late to sign-up, the initial weigh-ins end Jan. 22. The contest focuses on helping individuals achieve fitness and health goals and have fun while doing it, said Airman 1st Class Brian Delacruz, 4th FSS fitness and sports specialist. "We all hope and wish to be healthier, but wishing and hoping isn't going to do anything. This can be the first step to achieving your goals." The competition is open to all active duty, Department of Defense identification card holders and dependants who are 18 and older. "Last year, we only used weight loss as a measurement for success," said 1st Lt. Jenna Mirandette, 4th FSS officer in charge of the fitness and sports center. "However, this year, we will measure both waist measurement and weight loss each week for all participants. The Biggest Loser Competition is going to be a lot of fun and will be the most beneficial for participants who really commit to the contest. You can do it and we want to help!" The male and female with the largest overall weight loss percentage and reduction in abdominal circumference will earn the title of Seymour Johnson's Biggest Loser and receive a fitness gift basket. To help participants track their progress, they have a mandatory weekly weigh-in. "The fitness center staff encourages members to enroll in the competition because one of the greatest fitness challenges for many members right now is passing the waist measurement portion of the new Air Force fitness test," Mirandette said. "We have personnel who are currently passing with scores more than 80 percent, but these same personnel will fail starting in July if they do not make the effort to trim their waists down." The fitness center staff knows most people live busy lives, so finding time to focus on weight loss and fitness can be a struggle, but they are available so no one has to tackle this task alone. "Losing weight could also seem impossible or intimidating to someone who has never had a lot of education about good nutrition or who may not know much about fitness, but the fitness and HAWC staffs are here to educate you and help you develop a plan," Mirandette said. "We want people to understand that choosing a healthy lifestyle can really change your life in a positive way and you will really benefit if you make the time to plan healthy meals and get a good workout in every day." The fitness center staff offers approximately 15 fitness classes a week. The staff also offers equipment orientation and fitness prescriptions to help people achieve their goals. In addition, a strength conditioning clinic will start in conjunction with the Biggest Loser competition. For those who might still be hesitant to enroll in the program Mirandette recommends signing-up with a friend or co-worker. "Not only will it be more fun, but you really need an accountability partner to help you stick to your eating and workout plans," she said. For more information about the Biggest Loser Competition, call the fitness center at 722-0408. Editors note: This is part one of a two part series about Seymour Johnson Airmen participating in the Biggest Loser competition.