The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, 277-5915

Aug. 28, 2006

UNM to Announce “Biggest Loser”

The University of New Mexico 's Employee Health Promotion Program will announce a “Biggest Loser” Wednesday, Aug. 30, at noon, at the close of an eight-week weight-loss program.

A celebration for participants and supporters is scheduled until 1 p.m. in the SUB Lobo Room. Acting President David Harris and EHPP Director Nicholas Spezza will speak. Biggest Loser Challenge coordinator Shelley Rael will announce the Biggest Loser and award prizes.

Program success is based on a combination of weight and inches lost, Rael said, adding that the program had a 58 percent completion rate.

Of the 159 people who registered, 92 people were post-measured, losing a combined total of 276.2 pounds.

The average weight loss is 3.0 pounds per person. One UNM employee is 16 lbs. lighter. Employees shed 156.2 inches from the waist and hips for an average of 1.7 inches per person. One individual took off 6.7 inches.

The resulting numbers total 314.7 lbs. of fat lost, an average of 3.5 lbs. of fat per employee. One individual lost 13 lbs. of fat.

The group of 92 collectively cut 1,101,405 calories over the course of the eight weeks for an average of 11,972 calories per person, about a 1,500 calorie deficit each week or 214 calories a day, said Rael, a registered dietitian.

In addition to tracking pre and post-program body measurements and weight, EHPP staff assisted participants in making healthier food choices, maximizing physical activity and changing habits.

For information visit , http://ehpp.unm.edu/ or call 272-3710 or 272-3989.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu