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Lose to Win program recognizes healthy ’losers’

by Laura Becker
Dietetic Intern
MUSC dietetic interns recently concluded Lose to Win, it's annual weight loss program. This year's program was a success, with more than 230 pounds lost by the 45 contestants who weighed out.
 
The purpose of Lose to Win is to promote healthy lifestyle and eating behaviors for healthy weight loss.  Participants who lost six pounds in the six-week period were entered in a drawing for cash prizes.
 
So, how did the participants do?  The average weight loss was 5.2 pounds, with 3.7 pounds of lost fat. Body fat percent was decreased by 1 percent and body mass index (BMI) was also lowered. Six classes were held and participants attended an average of three classes.  
 
Meg Becker, radiation oncology, won the grand prize of $200.  She definitely earned that money, losing more than six pounds during the six weeks. What was her secret? She advises, “exercise and make an effort to eat well.”
 
Janette Brown, radiology, won second prize, $150. Brown has completed the program in the past but said “this time I was successful because I had a partner to help me stick with it.” She and her partner attended each class together and gave each other the needed support.
 
Karen Garnet, laboratory services, won $50 for third prize. She also has advice for anyone trying to lose weight, “Make small changes at a time. If I wanted something, I had a little.”  
 
The women have revealed their weight loss secrets; other important practices they learned from class include: the importance of water, to increase physical activity, how to read food labels, and portion sizes, all important things to keep in mind when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
 
How do these women plan to spend their money?  Becker is using her money to fly home to Nebraska to visit her fam- ily. Brown is taking her weight loss buddy to dinner (a healthy meal, of course!). Garnet plans to reward all of her weight loss efforts with a facial.  
 
Congratulations ladies and all of the participants who lost weight or made healthy lifestyle changes.
 
The award for best team name went to “Two Hundred and Too Much.”
 Look for details on next year's Lose to Win program to find out how you can be a ‘loser.’