The Santa Maria Water District (SMWD), in promotion of healthy well-being, recently organized a health and wellness program called “The Biggest Loser Challenge.” This year’s edition took place over about six months, starting in February and ending in August 2024. While the announcement of the winners was made during the Anniversary Celebration of SMWD.
The activity was open to all employees with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that exceeded the normal range. Participants were determined through an initial weigh-in and height measurement held in February, which was attended by all employees. After the initial assessment, 90 employees qualified to participate in The Biggest Loser Challenge.
The participants were grouped into nine teams, each consisting of ten members and categorized by various colors representing their respective teams: black, blue, gray, green, orange, pink, red, violet, and yellow. The participants were distributed evenly to ensure fair starting weights for all teams.
Every month since the division of groups, all participants were required to weigh in to monitor their progress. The results of their individual weights were summed to calculate their team’s total weight loss. The results of the monthly weigh-ins were consistently announced in the SMWD Employees GC, while keeping team identities confidential.
To support their weight loss journey, participants were encouraged to engage in physical activities like Zumba, jogging, and various sports. The GFPS also facilitated a month-long series of Zumba sessions in March 2024 in celebration of National Women’s Month, which all participants of The Biggest Loser Challenge were required to attend.
After six months of striving to lose weight, the team with the highest average weight loss over the six weigh-ins will be declared the winner. Individual efforts will also be recognized, with awards given to the individuals with the highest average weight loss for both males and females, as well as the highest weight loss among all participants.
This year, Mr. Jonas Kuizon achieved the highest average weight loss among male participants, while Ms. Ma. Lourdes German was recognized for the highest average weight loss among female participants. The Orange team emerged as the champion of The Biggest Loser Challenge, and Mr. Jerald Resurreccion was honored as the ultimate champion for achieving the highest weight loss among all employees.
This initiative not only fostered a spirit of teamwork and healthy competition among employees but also encouraged a commitment to health and wellness within SMWD.
Prepared by:
Alvin Policarpio