Saturday, February 7, 2009

Program helps ‘big losers’ win healthful lives

Program challenges students to become ‘biggest losers’

15315Photo illustration by Jaclyn Cosgrove

These four students — Kara Scifres, an elementary education junior; Kate Wear, an English freshman; Michael Ennis, a business management entrepreneurship sophomore; and Tiffany Farney, an advertising junior — are half of the employees from the Interlibrary Services participating in the office’s own version of Biggest Loser, a popular NBC show about weight loss. The group’s competition runs from Feb. 2 to April 27. The four students agreed they want to not only lose weight but also lead healthier lifestyles. 

By Nicholas Mendez, Staff Writer, OColly.com

The time for change is just around the corner, and the rewards could benefit all.

This is the outlook of participants involved in the Interlibrary Services weight loss challenge.

“I came to college and started studying a lot,” said Michael Ennis, director of the ILS weight loss challenge.
“As a result, I started eating bad foods.”

Ennis’ story is similar to most first-time college students. However, Ennis has decided he is going to use his weight gain to become the biggest loser.

Instead of pursuing his weight loss goals alone, he has decided to lead a group of aspiring “losers” on a path leading to long-term success.

Working in the Interlibrary Services department on campus, “team trim,” which Ennis leads, has started a weight loss support group that will help students develop a healthier lifestyle.

Through an emphasis on proper nutrition, portion control and exercise, team trim focuses on the idea of losing weight through means of a new lifestyle, according to an official document team trim provided.
Ennis and team trim have declared that change is necessary.

As of last Monday, Ennis’ New Year’s Resolution became more than an idea with good intentions; it became a reality.

“I wake up at 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday,” Ennis said. “It’s paying off.”

The cost of entrance is $1 per week and is open to all OSU students.

Those interested should visit the ILS office on the west side of the library’s first floor.

To make the challenge interesting, the group has decided to include weekly bonuses.

Each week there will be a weigh in, according to an official document provided by team trim.

The person who has lost the most weight by the end of the week will be rewarded with a prize.

The person who loses the most overall weight will be crowned the biggest loser and walk away with a grand prize equivalent to the value of all money gathered throughout the 12-week competition.

Trying to maintain a healthful lifestyle while carrying a full load of school can be difficult.

“It’s an accountability thing,” Ennis said. “It’s like a family here.”

Others like Ennis have decided to join the competition not only for the prizes but also for support to lose weight and keep it off.

“I want to participate in this weight loss challenge so I can have the support of friends,” said Karen Scifres, an elementary education junior.

“And also so I can buy a new wardrobe soon.”

Tiffany Farvey, an advertising junior, agreed that it helps to have support during the challenge.

“It’s not just about losing weight, but also about changing my lifestyle,” Farvey said.

“It also helps to have friends wake up with you at 6 a.m. to work out with me.”



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