MACHIAS, Maine — At least 400 people are officially members of Washington County’s Biggest Loser Wellness Competition, a 12-week program sponsored by a local coalition of public and private organizations.
A year ago, when Angela Fochesato of the coalition known as Washington County: One Community first suggested the program — which is modeled after the successful television show of the same name — it wasn’t immediately adopted.
“But I said that if we came up with just one team of 10 people, we would be doing some good,” Fochesato said Thursday. “My goal was to actually have 10 teams of 10 people spread out across Washington County.”
That goal has been shattered as people from Canada to Hancock County have signed up, with the number of participants now topping 400.
“There are also a lot of people following the program on their own,” Fochesato said. “They may not enjoy competition and may be shy about their weight and not want to be a member of a team.”
Already, officials from the local Hannaford store have contacted organizers, saying the impact is so huge that they cannot keep enough fresh vegetables and fruits in the store.
“If you go to the store, you notice everyone is reading the labels now. And the local Weight Watchers’ group said their new member numbers are through the roof,” Fochesato said.
Through Facebook, e-mails and telephone calls, teams were established last week and WC:OC provided each participant with a 72-page guide and meal planner. Included in the guide are lists of activities and resources, such as where gyms and fitness centers are located, when Zumba classes will be held and contact information for health care offices.
The 12-week program completes its first week Friday, with new members still jumping on board. “We are still receiving applications all day long,” Fochesato said.
The majority of people who have signed up, she said, are “simply tired of being tired. Tired of not feeling good. They are looking at their blood pressure, their cholesterol, all their numbers and are saying, ‘I just don’t feel right.’”
Fochesato said one member shared her personal concerns about a family history of colon cancer. After having a colonoscopy recently, several precancerous growths were found and removed.
“Colon cancer has a lot to do with what you eat and a stationary lifestyle,” Fochesato said. “She is really glad this program came up at this time.”
Sara McConnell of WC:OC said that 68 percent of Washington County adults are overweight or obese. “More people are now looking to become healthier,” she said.
Two months ago, Washington County was proclaimed the first We Can! county in Maine. The acronym for the national movement designed to keep children at a healthy weight stands for: Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition.
Now Washington is the first county in the state to implement a countywide weight loss competition.
“We are collaborating with both local hospitals, health care and fitness facilities, numerous organizations, businesses, schools and civic groups,” McConnell said.
Teams have been established in neighborhoods, at schools and businesses.
“It’s so exciting to see residents from all over the county make healthier food choices, engage in more physical activities and improve their overall health, but I never dreamed we would have so many people sign up for the competition,” McConnell said. “With the use of the WC:OC Biggest Loser Facebook site we can easily send out motivational tips, recipes, resources, results and more very quickly. With this being a team competition, individuals not only have the support of their teammates, but for those who are on Facebook, more than 400 people in Washington County, who probably didn’t know each other before, are now sharing recipes, healthy tips, exercise ideas and more.”
On Wednesday, for example, WC:OC broadcast “skip and add” tips: skip cheddar cheese, add mozzarella; skip crunchy chicken, add grilled chicken; skip dried fruits and add fresh fruits.
Fochesato said the key to creating a healthy lifestyle is preparedness. “You need to plan your meals, plan your exercise program,” she said. “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
Other tips Fochesato shared include setting appointments with yourself for exercise time, setting goals and rewarding yourself with nonfood treats such as a pedicure, new socks or a massage, as you reach major milestones.
There is no fee for program participants and cash prizes will be awarded at the end of the 12 weeks for teams and individuals with the greatest body mass percentage loss. She said the program is not a diet program but a wellness program. Members weigh themselves every other week and send that number into the contest organizers.
“We are on the honor system when it comes to weighing in,” she said. “After all, the only one you are cheating if you cheat is yourself.”
The Biggest Loser Wellness Competition is still accepting participants on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact Wcoc Biggestloser on Facebook or e-mail 2010biggestl@gmail.com.
BDN writer Sharon Kiley Mack is participating in the competition.