ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers - West Chester, PA

News

Chester County employess lose over 1450 pounds!

Highlight on Health - Chester County employees "lose it" in weight loss challenge

More than 250 Chester County employees rose to the challenge set by the County's Employee Wellness Program, losing more than 1,450 pounds in 12 weeks. Hosted by the Chester County Healthy Lifestyle Employee Wellness program and ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center of West Chester, "Losing it at Chester County" was part of a comprehensive program of wellness activities offered to Chester County employees.

The challenge placed a focus on eating better, moving more, and maintaining an appropriate weight. Employees formed teams, paid a registration fee to participate, and attended biweekly weigh-ins and education sessions at several county offices. Funds raised through the registration fees were used as prizes for the top three weight loss teams.

"The Wellness Planning Committee wanted to implement a weight loss challenge that would engage our employees in thinking about positive lifestyle changes," said Melissa Walsh, spokesperson for the Chester County Healthy Lifestyle Employee Wellness committee.

"In addition to the monetary incentive, employees have appreciated the support the team concept brings and have been motivated by the scheduled weigh-ins," added Walsh.

According to the Chester County Department of Health, approximately 56 percent of Chester County adults are overweight or obese, and 43 percent are actively trying to lose weight. Weight loss incentives in the workplace can help, as this is where most adults typically spend half or more of their waking hours.

In addition to the weight loss challenge, Chester County's wellness program encourages employees to adopt healthier behaviors through participating in work-based walking groups, growers markets, "lunch-n-learn" presentations and health screenings throughout the year.

Congratulations to the District Divas from District Court 15-1-01! Margaret Butts, Mindy Whitmer, and Carol Hanson won the challenge with a weight loss percentage of 11.53%.

The Weight Loss Challenge has been successful for a variety of reasons. Karen Flurer, in the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, says, "I have been motivated by the scheduled weigh-ins. It's more difficult to tell myself I'll just put off dieting until next week when I know there's a date I need to weigh in. It also helps to have the support and motivation of the other people going through the same thing."

For information on running a weight loss challenge at your worksite, please contact your Independence Blue Cross health promotion coordinator.

Source: www.ibx.com/worksite_wellness

Printer Friendly