Weight loss program to battle area obesity

Pictures, weight lost will run weekly

MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Herald is looking for the area's biggest loser.

That's not as insulting as it sounds.

Beginning Wednesday, the paper will put on a 13-week weight loss challenge.

"Columbia Basin's Biggest Loser is (being put on) because we are trying to get healthy," explained Herald advertising director Samantha Houston, noting that a survey has shown that the Basin's residents are overweight.

Houston and a co-worker were discussing their desire to lose weight when the idea came about.

"(We) thought, ' Well, we need to lose weight — what if we really put the pressure on and bring in the community and put it in the newspaper?'" she said, noting that the inspiration for the idea came about through the NBC reality show "The Biggest Loser."

Participants will have their pictures appear in the newspaper on a weekly basis, as well as how much weight was lost and what percentage of weight lost to the total weight.

How much a person actually weighs will not appear in the paper, Houston said, because that would have been a deterrent for some people.

"It's almost like a support group, too, because now that I'm getting these calls, I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, there's so many people out there like me,'" she said. "They just need a little bit more pressure to be able to stick to that diet, change their way of eating and help each other, because they'll be coming here every week to weigh in, so we'll be keeping track of people."

Houston said she thinks that the accountability will help people with their commitment to the program.

"It's great — it puts the pressure on," she said.

There is no set diet method for the program, Houston said, adding that everyone can use their own method, with assistance from community members like South Campus, Sleek Physique, the Health Pantry, the Grant County Health District and the professional pharmacy.

Sleek Physique owner Desiree McCullough said she has been promoting the program to members.

"I think it raises awareness," McCullough said. "On the TV show, everyone there is just huge, but I know people that are going to have just 15-20 pounds to lose. Everyone has their own weight loss struggle."

The biggest loser by percentage of body weight will receive $500 and two nights at the Coeur d'Alene resort, Houston said.

She estimated that about 20 to 30 people have called her directly, and she said she thinks that others will come in, including groups of friends.

"Some people have said, 'You're going to have people lined down the alley here,'" Houston said. "Well, that's fine too."

People have until Jan. 5 to sign up. The program will run through March 31.

Houston can be reached at 765-4561, ext. 236 for more information.