I originally created this program as a support system for people just like me who not only want to get healthier but who desire the benefit of a team atmosphere to help them along the way. Knowing that I lack the motivation of "going it alone" to achieve my weight loss goals, I decided that instead of trying to find a program out there on the market and changing it to suit me, that I would create my own program and see if anyone would like to join me in this journey. As I had suspected, literally hundreds of folks felt as I did and believed that this is a program that they would like to be a part of as well.

“The Biggest Loser” televison show has really been a big motivator for me, as I truly see the value of support and friendly competition when trying to reach a common goal. I thought it would be fun to create a kind of Biggest Loser spin off with weekly weigh-ins, fun team challenges and a chance to win some great prizes - even beyond that of a new and healthier you! This is a non-profit program, and the $30 program fee collected from each contestant will be used expressly for the materials and administration of the program itself.   

The Program Overview

The Weight is OVER! is a 24 week weight loss journey designed to help like minded people lose weight and get healthy. Our 24 contestants will be divided into teams that will battle it out to each week to be our team winners. Of course, there will be awards and recognition given away along the way to as well as crowning our “Light Stars” - those with the largest percentage of overall weight loss each week! By no means is the journey over at the end of this 24 week program. Losing weight is a lifelong plan that we each must employ in order to keep off the weight we lose.  I am counting on each contestant to come away from this experience with the knowledge they will need to continue on a successful path of fitness and healthy eating that will last them for the rest of their lives.

Contestant Requirements

To be eligible to become a contestant for The Weight is OVER! program, an individual must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• A current resident of the Wadsworth, Ohio area (all are welcome to apply)
• A minimum of 30 pounds overweight (based on BMI chart)
• Committed to complete the entire 24 week program
• Able to attend each of the 12 weekly meetings/weigh-ins, plus the finale

• Able to perform physically demanding challenges each week (running, jump roping, floor exercises, etc.)

• Internet ready and have direct, personal email account

The Plan

The program encourages a healthy lifestyle eating well balanced meals based on each individual's food pyramid as well as consistent exercising. No particular food is off limits but portion control is required. You will not be on a diet, you will learn real eating habits that you will be able to use for the rest of your life, without depriving or starving yourself. Each week I will supply you with healthy recipes, exercise ideas, meal planners etc. This is however a contest, so you are able to choose in which way you want to lose weight. I supply this information just as a guide to help you find the best path for your individual needs.

Weekly Meetings & The Program Finale

For the initial 12 weeks of our Season 4 program (April 7, 2009- June 23, 2009) we will be holding mandatory meetings on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at our designated location for that week. These meetings will be broken down into a few different sections: Meet & Mingle, Weigh-In, Speaker Time (when applicable), Snack Attack, Weekly Team Challenges and Recognition. During the meetings, you will learn how to make wise food selections, get recipe ideas, and most importantly get and stay motivated! We will learn new exercises or perform a short exercise routine at each meeting that all contestants can continue at home for an effective workout regime.

During the latter part of our meetings, contestants will be split into their teams and will then receive and participate in their weekly challenge. The basic concept is a lot like the television show “The Biggest Loser” with a few twists. Since everyone has a different amount of weight they need to lose, we will be using your total percentage of weight lost in determining our team and individual winners. Our Season 4 finale will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 and our prizes will be awarded that evening.