1. The Biggest Loser concluded on April 13, 2013 with the finale event.
Participants completed their final weigh-in followed by a group Zumba class
and awards ceremony.
Spring 2013 Winners:
Individual Male
1st Pete Rocha
2nd Matt Fisher
Individual Female
1st Joy Price
2nd Kathleen Panas
Small Group
1st Rita’s Italian Ice
2nd Wet ‘N Well
Large Group
1st Keep Austin Skinny
2nd LOBC All Stars
Galveston Island’s Biggest Loser Challenge was the first weight-loss challenge
of its kind to be implemented on a community wide level. It was successful in
engaging both community partners and community members at large to
complete the challenge. This challenge has enabled Galveston community
members to continue a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and healthy
eating by exposing them to new and existing resources within the community.
It is a FREE 13-week weight-loss competition for adults (18+) who live and/or
work in Galveston. Participants were encouraged to improve their health by
setting reasonable goals, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, and
getting 30 minutes of moderate level activity at least 5 days a week. Free
events for the entire Galveston community, such as education and fitness
classes were offered during the challenge to encourage active living and
healthy eating.
Prizes
Winners were determined by the
total % weight loss for individual or
total average % weight loss for group
categories.
Physical Activity Opportunities
• Biggest Loser participants were invited to
walk/run the inaugural first mile of the
Galveston Marathon and Half Marathon
• Free boot camps were available 2x/week
by Island Boot Camp & New You Rangers
Boot Camp
•Free access to the cities’ fitness
recreation centers were publicized
•Discounted memberships to Urban Fitness & Total Fitness
Nutrition Education Opportunities
• Cooking demonstrations were hosted by
The Kitchen Chick highlighting healthy foods to
incorporate into your everyday cooking
•Nutrition Education Series was hosted by Trista Arnold
featuring various topics for healthy eating and
weight management
Transforming Galveston (TG) was established in 2012 to create a healthier
community across Galveston County. Transforming Galveston is an extension
of the state wide Transforming Texas initiative that is federally funded.
Transforming Galveston supports local
communities, workplaces, schools, and health care providers as they work
together to reduce chronic disease, lower the cost of care, and promote a
lifetime of health through the power of prevention.
Conclusions
Finale Results
GALVESTON ISLAND’S BIGGEST LOSER CHALLENGE
Christine Arcari, Ph.D., M.P.H. and Elizabeth Torres, M.P.H.
Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
1st Place 2nd Place
Individual Male $200 $50
Individual
Female
$200 $50
Small Group 2-
10
$600 $100
Large Group
11 +
$1,200 $200
N %
# of Participants 817
# Completed Challenge 200 24.5
Avg Weight Loss (lbs) 8.5
Total Weight Lost (lbs) 1703.4
% Body Weight Lost 4.29
% Gained Weight 15
% Lost Weight 85
Creating Community Partnerships
What is Galveston Island’s Biggest Loser Challenge?Transforming Galveston
The Biggest Loser Challenge utilized new and existing partnerships within the
Galveston community to enhance the participant’s experience and provided a
wide variety of activities to the challenge.
Partnerships included UTMB Health, City of Galveston Parks and Recreation,
Fit Tri Run, Island Boot Camp, New You Rangers Boot Camp, Urban Health &
Fitness, Total Fitness, Studio 85, City of Galveston Families, Children, & Youth
Board, Katie’s Seafood Market, The Kitchen Chick, UTMB’s Students Together
for Service, The Body Space, Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon, Rita’s
Italian Ice, Island Wellness Aquatic Fitness, Herbalife & Sports Authority.