Weight loss challenge success
On March 7, Belding's Sue Miller challenged countywide residents to lose weight and feel great.
On Friday, June 6, those individuals who stuck with the 12-week Belding Weight Loss Challenge will be rewarded for their dedicated efforts.
As it turns out, the top 15 participants lost a combined total of 206.4 inches and 215.5 pounds in three months, meaning each diligent participant lost an average of about 15 pounds.
"I'm really proud of everyone who stuck it out," said Miller, who organized the first weight loss challenge in Ionia County. "I'm excited for these folks. It's never easy to face something like weight loss and overcome it, but many of them have."
With obesity on the rise in Michigan - which is routinely listed as one of the five heaviest states by government obesity studies - and Ionia County residents having a 25 percent obesity rate, it's a good time to make healthier decisions. That was the logic behind several participants in the Belding Weight Loss Challenge.
Some of the top "losers" included Ionia's Carol Urie and Mary Cooper. Urie lost 33.5 pounds and 12.45 percent body fat and Cooper lost 16.5 pounds and 7.63 percent body fat. Those results are impressive, regardless of time constraints, but to do so in a 12-week period is an excellent feat.
"It worked great, I had a good time with it," said Cooper, who went to every weekly meeting. "I liked the companionship and the accountability. It's nice to have a group to support you."
Cooper said she used to be a roller-coaster dieter, but that the group environment - having the support of several friends in the group - made it easy to feel better about her results.
Each meeting focused on encouragement and techniques to aid participants in their quest for weight loss.
Coaches described techniques, dietary guidelines and exercises - though exercise was not mandatory - allowing everyone to lose at their own pace. As additional motivation, each individual paid $29 upon registration, all of which went to a pot, to be divided amongst the top four weight losers at the end of the program. Other weekly prizes also drove those participating to strive for better results.
"We had people join for lots of different reasons, some wanted to join to lose weight, some wanted to win the prizes and some just came for support," Miller said. "Not everyone finished who started, but that's expected. Our program is serious."
While this program's success is impressive, Miller herself acts an a shining example of what dedication and work ethic - along with group support - can accomplish. Four years ago, she was 50 pounds overweight and miserable. After numerous fad diet plans failed, she took up EZ Weight Loss. After four months, she shed 45 pounds.
"It's worked great for me, and I'd like to keep helping people in our community," Miller said. "I think it's a big deal. People should want to be healthy."
And after her first endeavor into helping the local community develop a healthy lifestyle, Miller has already planned another weight loss challenge.
It will begin June 17 at Holy Cross Church in Belding. Those interested in attending are welcome to do so and can contact Sue Miller at 616-794-2198.
A similar challenge, also partially organized by Miller, is currently going on in Sheridan. Residents close by are encouraged to call for more information.
By FRANK KONKEL
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