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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Get Inspired & Shape Up with NSU Students and Staff During the 5th Annual “Biggest Loser” Weight-Loss Challenge
Opening Ceremony is Fri. Jan. 7, cheer on local weight-loss superstars and pick up tips for your own journey toward health
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Having trouble sticking to your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight? Then get inspired and follow along with 18 local students and staff from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) as they embark on the school’s fifth annual NSU’s Biggest Loser challenge.
NSU's Biggest Loser 2010 Group
Based on the popular NBC television show by the same name, NSU’s Biggest Loser takes 18 participants through a 16-week weight-loss program. Like the show, they will be divided into teams and participate in group and individual workouts with trainers. Participants will have regular meetings with a nutritionist and keep journals of their daily nutrition and exercise. They will also receive motivational coaching from NSU’s Healthy Lifestyle Guided Self-Change Program.
An opening workshop will be held on Jan.7 and weigh-ins and workouts begin on Jan. 10. The competition will run through April, with May providing the curveball of participants having to work out on their own without help from personal trainers. The closing ceremony will be on June 3.
In the first five years of NSU’s Biggest Loser challenge, the 57 employees and students who completed the program lost a combined total of 1,481 pounds – an average of 26 pounds per participant!
Prizes are awarded to the individual and the team with the highest percentage of weight lost and to individuals with the most improved blood pressure and/or cholesterol, most total inches lost and highest percentage of body fat lost.
“It was an excellent experience,” said Fawzy Ebrahim, a professor at NSU’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services, who lost 64 pounds in the 2010 challenge and claimed the title of NSU’s Biggest Loser. “I loved it and wish I could do it again. It changed my body, and I lost weight and gained the confidence to know that I can do it. Don’t ever give up!”
Ebrahim kept up his weight loss program after the challenge ended, and is now down 71 pounds total. He has also enjoyed other health benefits from participating in NSU’s Biggest Loser, such as reducing his insulin dose and blood pressure.
The Biggest Loser program is part of NSU’s Be Well Initiative, which incorporates all dimensions of wellness – emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual – and promotes a culture of wellness at the university.
Sponsors of the program include Whole Foods, which will also provide the winner with a wonderful prize package, Runners Depot, Muscle Milk Light, and SharkDining’s Chartwells.
Media Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 (office), 954-873-8494 (cell), andrali@nova.edu