"Delmarva's Biggest Loser" Competition Nears the Halfway Point

As the summer heats up, participants in the “Delmarva’s Biggest Loser” competition sponsored by Olympia Fitness Clubs are sweating more than their fair share. The group, now down to 11 contestants after Gary McHugh dropped from the competition during Week 3, has lost a combined total of nearly 194 pounds.

Kim Curtis, who hales from Laurel, Del., has contributed 17 of those pounds. She hopes to eventually lose 110 pounds, and the possibility of reducing her diabetes medications is a large incentive to do well in this competition and with her ongoing efforts to lose weight.

Curtis also wants to set a good example for her son and, perhaps, break the chain of diabetes in her family.

“My father has diabetes and has lost several toes and suffered heart attacks [due to his condition],” Curtis said. “I want to live a healthier lifestyle and feel good about myself.”

--------------------------------

“Delmarva’s Biggest Loser” offers counseling on diet and exercise to its contestants, as well as 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.
Tiffanee Scott, with a total weight loss of nine percent, is currently holding first place in the competition. (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.