Armed Forces Wellness Center employees demonstrate a metabolic assessment at Camp Zama, Japan. Participants in the “Biggest Loser” competition will be able to use the test to identify their unique target caloric zone as they seek to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and body composition.
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CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Community members looking to keep their New Year’s fitness resolutions or just strive for better overall health can sign up starting Friday for Camp Zama’s annual weight loss contest.
The “Biggest Loser” competition, which runs from Feb. 3 through March 19, aims to inspire participants to trim down while accomplishing their fitness goals in a community setting.
“It kind of gets them more involved and active,” Maria Wallace, the Armed Forces Wellness Center’s lead health educator, said of those who join the program. “They really love the challenge of the competition [and] it’s an accountability thing, so I think it really helps people reach their goals.”
The wellness center, along with Yano Fitness Center, is organizing the self-directed fitness program, which encourages participants to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and body composition through health education and behavioral change.
Only 35 individuals will be able to join the program, including active-duty military members, retirees, federal civilian employees and adult family members. The competition fee is $20 but free for military members, who can also sign up now before registration begins Friday.
Several prizes will be awarded, such as for the top male and female competitors and to those who take the greatest number of steps or exercise the most at fitness centers on Camp Zama, Sagamihara Family Housing Area and Sagami General Depot.
All participants will receive a contest T-shirt and expert advice from AFWC professionals throughout the program.
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Maria Wallace, left, the Armed Forces Wellness Center’s lead health educator, oversees an assessment using the Bod Pod system at Camp Zama, Japan. Participants in the “Biggest Loser” competition will conduct the same assessment to determine the ratio of their body fat to lean mass as they seek to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and body composition.
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Wallace hopes the progress made during the short program will motivate participants to continue their fitness journeys, leading to a sustained healthy lifestyle down the road.
“If it becomes a long-term habit, we may be able to help them walk in the park with their grandkids or open a jar of pickles when they’re older,” she said. “Hopefully we can sneak in a little bit of long-term health improvement for them.”
To track their progress, participants will undergo assessments, including the Bod Pod system, a body composition test that determines the ratio of body fat to lean mass.
Metabolic testing will be available to help participants identify their unique target caloric zone, as well as biofeedback to see how their bodies respond to stress. Participants can also attend classes to learn weight management strategies in the areas of sleep, nutrition and activity.
“Why not take advantage of all these free resources?” Wallace said. “We have some really great technology to help people.”
Last year, participants lost a total of nearly 120 pounds of fat mass during the program. They also gained nearly 16 pounds of fat-free mass, which is typically muscle – a difficult thing to do when also trying to trim down.
For those who may still be on the fence about joining this year’s contest, Wallace said it’s a good time to make the leap to healthy living.
“They should think of it as a fun way to improve their lifestyle,” she said. “And hopefully they will start something that’s good for them for the long term.”
Those interested in the competition or in other AFWC services can call 263-4073 or 046-407-4073 for more information.
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