During February and March, Questar III held an organization wide “Lose to Win” weight loss challenge. This year, six teams competed and lost a total of 399.25 pounds. This spring marked the seventh time Questar III has worked with Blue Shield of Northeastern New York to hold the challenge. Two were held in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Winners for this year’s challenge were announced at the end of April.
To win the competition, a team must lose a combined three percent of their body weight, and prizes are awarded to the team who loses the most. The prize pack for this year’s winning team included a Blue Shield insulated lunch bag and a Blue Shield water bottle. The individual with the highest weight loss won a gym back with a workout towel and a filtered water bottle.
The Cast-a-weighs team won first place in the Lose to Win Challenge losing a combined 4.23% of their total body weight
The Cast-a-Weighs team took first place, losing a combined 4.23% of their body weight. Team Ate came in second, losing 4.12%, and Team Body, Mind, and Spirit followed in third place losing 3.30%.
The idea for the challenge started with the Wellness Committee discussing ways to promote not only weight loss, but healthy living choices within the BOCES. The committee saw other workplaces in the area holding weight loss challenges, and with the popularity of reality shows like “The Biggest Loser,” decided it would be fun to challenge staff at all Questar III locations to form teams and try to lose the greatest percentage of body weight over a four week period.
While teams strove to lose weight, the Lose to Win challenge isn’t just about a one-time weight loss push. It’s about making healthy choices every day.
“Overall as an organization, it’s about making healthy choices in exercising and eating,” Wellness Committee Co-Chair Sally Lauletta said.
“When we say wellness, often people only think of physical health. Wellness also includes other dimensions such as mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of an employee,” said Wellness Committee Co-Chair Karla McDowell. “Opening up the door for communication between employees and employers is essential.”
