Contestants slog through Week 4 of "Delmarva's Biggest Loser" competition

The group loses an average of 4.5 percent of their total body weight at Week 3 weigh-in

Entering Week 4 of the “Delmarva’s Biggest Loser Competition,” contestant John C. Gore didn’t make first place. But, that’s OK.

Tied for second place with Quintin Dennis and Tiffanee Scott for an impressive six percent weight loss, Gore is already fourteen-and-a-half pounds lighter and well on his way to a personal goal of 80 pounds lost.

The 49-year-old outreach pastor who resides in Delmar, Del., has made several attempts in the past to lose weight through exercise alone and by following various diets: high protein/low carb diets, meal replacement plans, and portion control. However, the temptations posed by food and a few knee injuries have hindered Gore from accomplishing a lifestyle change that would allow him to lose weight.

He hopes this competition will reignite his competitive spirit and force him to be accountable for his physical health. A desire to be able to keep up with his 20-something sons in tennis, soccer, biking and running are an added incentive.

“Delmarva’s Biggest Loser,” which offers counseling on diet and exercise, free access to Olympia Fitness Clubs’ gym for the duration of the contest, meetings with a personal trainer two or three times a week, and ongoing encouragement, seems to be working for Gore and the other participants.

Carroll Nicholson, who is again in the lead after dropping in Week 2, has lost a total of eight percent of his body weight and the average weight loss for the group is 4.5 percent. (Visit www.delmarvasbiggestloser.com for a complete list of participants and to get updates on their progress.)

“Delmarva’s Biggest Loser” is sponsored by Olympia Fitness Clubs, Healthy U, Atlantic General Hospital, ClearChannel Communications, and area merchants. The goal of the competition is to introduce a healthy lifestyle change to each participant as well as impact the lives of those around them.

The 12-week competition will end on Monday, September 17. An awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the Visions for Total Health Conference on Saturday, November 3, when the dietitian who helped the nation’s biggest losers reach their goals on NBC’s hit reality show visits the Shore to impart her wisdom on nutrition and healthy eating.

The conference, which is hosted this year by Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, will include free screenings, exhibits, and 12 breakout presentations on a wide range of health topics. The keynote address will be presented by Cheryl Forberg, RD, highly sought-after food expert and consulting dietitian for NBC's The Biggest Loser.

For more information about “Delmarva’s Biggest Loser,” contact Cody Mackie at Olympia Fitness Clubs at 410-543-9999.

For more information about the 2007 Visions for Total Health Conference or sponsorship opportunities, contact Dawn Denton, Atlantic General Hospital’s Community Education Coordinator, at 410-641-9268 or visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.