ST. LOUIS – More than 60 percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And according to a recent poll more than 50 percent of Americans say they want to lose weight, noting that exercise, cutting back on sugar, and restricting portion sizes are good tactics. So if Americans want to lose weight and know how to do it, why aren’t we succeeding?
According to Dr. Stephen Scott, medical director of the SSM Weight Loss Institute, it’s accountability. “The best way to lose weight is to become part of a formal program in which you schedule regular weigh-ins. Having that support helps you remain focused and committed to the behavioral changes that lead to real weight loss,” says Dr. Scott.
That is why SSM Health Care-St. Louis has joined forces with Curves, the Suburban Journals, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, the American Heart Association and Charter to offer the Lose to Win Challenge. The program originated in North St. Louis County with participants losing more than 2,000 pounds during the Spring 2011 launch. Now for the first time, this program is being offered to all residents across the St. Louis region. It provides the accountability needed to shed pounds and take back their health.
“This competition is designed to jump start a contestant’s desire to achieve a healthier life,” says Bonnie Barcykowski, owner of five Curves locations in North St. Louis County and founder of Lose to Win. “Whether they drop some or all of the weight they want to lose during our challenge, the most important benefit for the contestants is developing healthy lifestyle habits.”
The kick-off for the St. Louis Lose to Win Challenge will take place Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 11, from 1 – 5 p.m. During the kick-off, contestants will be assigned an identification number, choose a weekly weigh-in location, and have their blood pleasure and BMI/Body Fat checked. In addition, attendees will receive a free or discounted workout pass from participating fitness centers and a list of classes and resources that can help them succeed.
Each week contestants will have the ability to track their success, along with the other participants, in the Suburban Journals. At the end of the 12 weeks the top 10 “losers” will be awarded prizes at the celebration event held on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011.
Participants must pre-register for the challenge by calling 314-SSM-DOCS (776-3627) or registering online at www.losetowinstl.com. Phone lines and online registration open at 8 a.m. Sept. 6. The locations of the kick-off events will be provided during pre-registration. Space is limited to the first 1,000 participants. You must be 18 years of age or older and there is a $10 registration fee. For more information, visit www.losetowinstl.com.
For media inquires, contact:
Jamie Newell
Director of Communications
SSM DePaul Health Center
314-344-7509 (office)
Jamie_Newell@ssmhc.com