Hospital, gym to present annual challenge

April 28--BARSTOW -- Barstow Community Hospital and Fitness M.D. 24-7 Gym are presenting the sixth annual "Lose to Win" weight-loss challenge.

According to BCH spokesman John Rader, the weight-loss challenge is designed to jump-start contestants, who meet criteria, to live a healthier life. Since the first challenge, which began with less than 99 participants, participation has increased annually. Last year saw more that 160 participants.

Rader said contestants have the chance to win various prizes, including $1,000 in cash and a 12-month gym membership, all while engaging in a healthier lifestyle.

"Barstow Community Hospital is committed to not only taking care of our community members when they have acute injuries or illness, but also to promoting wellness through community-based health and prevention programs like our annual 'Lose to Win' weight-loss challenge," Rader said.

"Obesity is at epidemic proportions in our community and the link between obesity and debilitating chronic illness is well-established. The weight-loss challenge provides participants with nutritional education as well as ways to make fitness fun and competitive, arming them in their battles with obesity."

Kris Okamuro, owner of Fitness M.D. 24-7 Gym, cited alarming statistics to encourage local business owners to support their employees who want to participate in the challenge. According to Okamuro, research shows obese people spend 42 percent more on healthcare costs than people of healthy weights. He said unhealthy employees are driving up the cost of insurance premiums and obesity-related job absenteeism costs $4.3 billion annually.

"I've been privileged to witness firsthand how this weight loss challenge has been life-changing for many of the past participants, some who have lost up to 40 to 55 pounds during the three months," Okamuro said. "But even more gratifying to me than the large amounts of weight lost is to see those contestants a year later who have been able to keep the weight off because they learned through the challenge how to eat properly and remain active after the challenge ended."

The challenge runs from May 27 through Sept. 2 and registration fees include access to Fitness M.D. 24-7 Gym during the 14 weeks of the challenge. Entry fee before May 10 is $79, from May 10 to 23 the fee is $99. To apply, visit Fitness M.D. 24-7 Gym, 320 E. Main St.

For more information, call 760-255-3639 or visit BarstowHospital.com.

Jose Quintero can be reached at 760-256-4122 or JQuintero@DesertDispatch.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at @JoseQuinteroDD.

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