"Delmarva's Biggest Loser" Contestants Battle On

The eleven “Delmarva’s Biggest Loser” contestants hit the 200 pound mark this past week, losing nearly 7 percent of their total body weight on average. Learning to eat right and exercising on a consistent basis is difficult for even the most determined individual; but remembering that weight loss should be accomplished slowly and steadily is crucial to sticking with it.

Marsha Cooper, of Salisbury, Md., is doing just that. Creeping up from a weight loss of 4 percent earlier in the competition, Cooper has now lost 8 percent of her total body weight. That translates into 21 pounds lost in six weeks.

She hopes to eventually lose at least 54 more and maintain a healthy weight so she can enjoy activities in which she used to participate, such as water skiing.

“I am excited about this new challenge and look forward to living a healthy life and sharing what I learn with my family and friends,” Cooper said.

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“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 10 percent – or 28 pounds, is still holding first place in the competition. (Visit www.delmarvasbiggestloser.com for a complete list of participants and to get updates on their progress.)

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“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.