Residents launch weight loss challenge

Thursday, December 2, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- Local residents Sue Furr and Kate Durham will launch a 12-week non-profit course that will offer tips on nutrition and exercise, along with a little friendly competition to make losing weight fun.

The challenge will take place on Monday nights at the Blue Door Café, 304 W. Washington St. The Blue Door is closed to customers Monday nights, so this will be a private "Biggest Loser" meeting.

There is a $35 entry fee for the competition, all of which will be paid out in cash and prizes to the contestants. Ten dollars will be put toward weekly prizes; the rest will be split between the top three biggest losers. The registration fee serves two purposes: to add a financial commitment, along with setting prizes for competing.

The contest is based on the largest percentage of weight, making it an equal competition for men and women.

"The challenge gives us a chance to fight the battle of obesity by educating people about a better lifestyle," Furr said. "Seventy percent of Americans are overweight; it's an epidemic. I would like to eventually reach 2,000 people, and have some of those recruited to teach others.

"The goal is to help people feel good, look great and live a healthier lifestyle," she said. "It is amazing how many life-threatening diseases are attributed to being overweight. I am sure if people knew how much better off they would be by losing the pounds, they would do it."

Participants may use any program they want in order to lose the weight -- Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Herbalife or their own customized plan. Furr and Durham will work with the contestants and teach the classes. Classes will be on protein, fiber, sugar, metabolism and cellular nutrition to name a few.

Furr also said they are hoping to have a guest speaker or two on some of the weekly topics.

"And I have been cutting out articles from magazines and making an alphabetical file on different health-related topics for the classes," Furr said.

The kick-off for the program was Monday, but those interested can still get involved without missing a class. Anyone interested may contact Furr at 721-0118 to get pre-registered and learn the rules.

"Only 25 will be allowed in a class, but more classes and competitions will be arranged if there is an interest," she said.

Comments
View 1 comment
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.
  • Great idea. This could help change the lives of a lot of people (well, 25 at a time).

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Thu, Dec 2, 2010, at 6:42 AM
Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: