LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA)-- The provincial local government unit recently launched the “Biggest Loser Challenge - Bundle Edition” in efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle, and encourage a healthy body among its employees.  

This challenge spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office(PHO) involves teams of five members who are obese or overweight employees of the provincial government, including those from public district hospitals in Ifugao, regardless of their work status. 

PHO Nurse Jodelyn May Namingit said this year's bundle edition challenge is   designed to encourage more employees to participate.  A total of 40 teams have joined the activity, she said.

"The employees will encourage each other, and promote teamwork,"  Namingit said emphasizing the fun aspect of group effort.

Last year's  ‘Biggest Loser Challenge-Individual Edition’ was participated by 178 employees.  

The participants  in this year’s contest began their weight loss journey last March 6 with a weigh in. The initial weights serve as the baseline for their progress. The midterm weigh-in will be on June 6, and the final weigh-in is set on September 6, 2024.

During the initial weigh-in, the PHO team conducted health education for all participants, and discussed their target Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI is a simple measurement used to categorize overweight, and obesity in individuals, calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m^2).

Winning teams will be determined based on the highest percentage of body weight lost.

Top performers will receive cash prizes of P30,000;P20,000; and P10,000 for  the  first, second, and third places, respectively.

Namingit shared that to support employees in maintaining and reaching their normal weight, the PHO has organized Zumba sessions every Friday  from March 15 until May 17, 2024, at 8:00AM  at the Capitol lobby. The Zumba is open to employees of other government agencies (JDP/FBR- PIA CAR, Ifugao)