New Year, New You winners get "Biggest Loser" experience | Health

Twenty two Pine Belt residents are now collectively 294 pounds lighter after completing the 2012 New Year, New You contest presented by Forrest General Wellness.

Winners of the New Year, New You competition were Sam Mauldin and Erin Perkins. They lost a total of 12.3 percent body weight and 10.5 percent body fat. "At Home Winners" were Wayne Landers and Bobby Evans, who lost a total of 9 percent total weight. Second place finishers were Brian Williamson and Kelly Walch, and third place was awarded to Maria Hovan and Shirley Huber. Together, the contestants lost 294 pounds!

New Year, New You is a 12-week contest aimed at helping people learn the value of a healthy lifestyle. Those who were selected from the many applications received were grouped into nine two-person teams. These teams worked toward making lifestyle changes that would help them win great prizes, but more importantly, help them improve their self-confidence and commitment to making healthy choices. Much like the popular reality television show "The Biggest Loser," teams competed in challenges based on the information they learned about exercise, nutrition and stress management during the competition. Through online voting and challenge participation, the nine teams were narrowed down to three teams for the finale. In addition to the winners, eliminated teams also had the opportunity to compete to be an "At Home Winner." These contestants took what they had learned in the program and continued to apply the changes to their lives after being eliminated from the contest. Winners were chosen based on percentage of weight lost as a team and total percent of body fat lost.

"The New Year, New You contest is all about lifestyle changes," said Donna Wheeless, Director of Forrest General's Outpatient Rehab and Wellness Services. "The changes that our contestants make in their commitment to eat healthier foods and get regular exercise will make a positive impact on their lives for years to come. We are so proud of each contestant for the hard work they put into the contest and are looking forward to changing more lives with next year's contest!"

Though the New Year, New You contest only happens once each year, Forrest General Wellness offers other opportunities for assistance in making lifestyle changes. Forrest General Wellness offers the LifeStyle Management program, which is a year-round solution for those who need accountability or assistance in making lifestyle changes. Community members who join this program receive wellness coaching by an exercise physiologist, wellness counselor and registered dietician.

For more information on the LifeStyle Management program or other Forrest General Wellness programs and services, call 601-288-1360 or FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445 or visit forrestgeneral.com.