'Biggest losers' shed body fat

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  More than 190 participants embarked on an 18-week journey to shed unwanted body fat as part of Team Whiteman's "Biggest Loser" contest. The winners were announced Tuesday at the Base Exchange.

1st Lt. Jeremy Harper, 53rd Test Management Group Detachment 2, earned the Top Male Loser Category with a body fat percentage weight loss of 14.03 percent.

Airman 1st Class Linsey Baker, 509th Operations Support Squadron, came in first place in the Female Loser Category with a percentage weight loss of 9.79 percent.

The 509th Maintenance Squadron won the squadron competition with an 80-pound weight loss.

"On behalf of the HAWC staff, I would like to personally congratulate everyone who participated in this life changing competition," said Dr. Nita Hawk, 509th Medical Group health promotions director. "The Whiteman AFB Biggest Loser contest has shown that having the support of family, environment, and culture will reap even greater rewards."

All together, participants lost 400 pounds with an average weight loss of eight pounds.

Lieutenant Harper said he attributes his success to the support of his wife because she got involved with the competition.

"On my second visit to the Health and Wellness Center, my wife came with me and then she started measuring and weighing ingredients," he said. "I usually eat between 1,650 to1,665 calories a day. My wife really deserves most of the credit for my weight loss. Daily workouts are also an important aspect to my weight loss."

Lieutenant Harper said he visited the nutritionist at the 509th Medical Group Health and Wellness Center with his wife and received helpful guidance. The HAWC provides free assistance to members who want to learn how to live healthier.

The competition was put on by the HAWC and each winner received a certificate and a Nintendo Wii fit sport system courtesy of the BX.

For more information about fitness and nutrition plan can stop by or call the HAWC at (660) 687-7662.