HHC's Biggest Loser Wins

	Mathew Thomas shed 18 pounds over the holiday season.

For months, Mathew Thomas, an Associate Compliance Officer at HHC, had thought about doing something about his expanding waist line. When the HHC Finance department launched the Biggest Loser competition in November, Mathew knew that it was time to get busy.

The HHC Biggest Loser challenge was conceived as a result of a Breakthrough process-improvement event designed to build team spirit among the various finance department staff teams.  A new social committee named FUN-ACTS was born and the first major initiative was this challenge to encourage a team approach to healthy eating and the shedding of a few pounds. Other HHC departments soon joined the challenge and the “contestants” began their journey to a healthier weight.  Over the following three months, they scheduled fitness walks, weighed in weekly and reported to a weight keeper, got advice from a nutritionist who shared exercise tips and healthy eating habits, closely monitored food intake, and put their will power to the test through the holiday season.

By January 13, the 47 HHC contestants had reached a cumulative weight loss of 160 pounds.  Mathew was the Biggest Loser after achieving the single largest weight loss.  He shed over 18 pounds or 7 percent of his total weight.

“I got the weight off by eating fewer calories. I ate whatever I wanted and still rewarded myself but with smaller portions.”  Mathew also said, “I noticed an increase in my weight loss when I went to the gym and used the treadmill for one-hour, at least three times a week. I am so proud of myself that I will continue my routine although the contest is over.”

The HHC Biggest Loser walked away with a cash prize and will serve as inspiration for the numerous employee wellness activities HHC will be hosting to help staff adopt a healthy lifestyle. 

February 2012