The college chapter is inspired by the hit television show that follows a group of overweight individuals who are vying to see who can shed pounds the fastest.
Chapters and versions of Biggest Loser have sprung up around work places and college campuses nationwide.
“We started a new challenge on Jan. 19, and it will continue until May 14,” said Cynthia Urbina, an accountant in the business office and AC’s Biggest Loser coordinator.
According to Urbina, the group has 15 people who have enrolled and paid fees for the challenge.
In order to become part of the group, participants pay a $10 entry fee. At the end of the challenge in May, the first-, second- and third-place winners will be announced.
“First place will receive $75, second will receive $45 and third will receive $30 for the greatest percentage of weight lost during the 17-week challenge,” Urbina said.
The competition is self-paced, and each participant may use his or her own methods of exercise and dieting in order to lose the weight. People of all ages are involved, and the club is open to students and employees.
Urbina said that in the future, she would like “to have a challenge at least once a year with more people involved and more people getting healthy.”
Connie DeJesus chose to take this year’s challenge but stressed that she isn’t in it for the cash prize.
Instead, she said she “is doing it just to get healthier and lose weight.”
DeJesus said she is proud of the weight she has lost so far. “I will continue even after the challenge is over until I achieve my goal,” she said.
For many participants, an attractive aspect that Biggest Loser offers is peer support. Members are able to swap recipes and workout tips with others in the group.
“I know that for me, being part of a group has helped and will continue to motivate me through my weight loss goals,” said psychology major Myra Hubbard.
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