UAB Repeats ‘Lose 25 by the 25th’ Eatright Health Challenge

Get a head start on losing weight and getting fit with UAB EatRight’s Lose 25 by the 25th Challenge. Now in its second year, the Challenge calls for participants to lose weight, and/or reduce other indicators of health risk, between now and Christmas.

August 14, 2008

• Lose Weight by Christmas

• Win Great Prizes

• Improve Overall Health

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Get a head start on losing weight and getting fit with UAB EatRight's Lose 25 by the 25th Challenge. Now in its second year, the Challenge calls for participants to lose weight, and/or reduce other indicators of health risk, between now and Christmas.

"It's a never-ending cycle," says Jamy Ard, M.D., director of UAB's EatRight Weight Management Services. "Many of us gain weight at the end of the year, try to lose it in the beginning of the next and by the time we get to the following autumn, we're right back where we started. We've lost our enthusiasm and drive ... but we've probably not lost any weight."

‘Lose 25 by the 25th' isn't just about weight loss. Participants earn points for weight loss but also earn points for reductions in other health indicators, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and waist circumference. Additional points will be given for tracking weight weekly, attending a nutrition class and keeping food journals.

For every 25 total points accumulated, the participant gets one chance at a drawing for a grand prize worth $500. Other prizes include gift certificates for massages, gym memberships, personal training, Healthy Connections meals and more.

The Challenge is open to anyone who enrolls in an EatRight program such as OPTIFAST or EatRight Lifestyle. Special discounts are available for those who enroll to participate in the challenge. Those who are not enrolled in an EatRight program can still participate at a cost of $25, which includes a t-shirt, fast food guide, EatRight meal plan and a one-time nutrition class led by an EatRight dietitian. The class will cover topics such as healthy diet and exercise changes to help with weight loss.

Sign up for Lose 25 by the 25th will be held at UAB Highlands, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22, and in the UAB West Pavilion at 7-11 a.m. on Tues., Aug 26.

"The idea is to improve your health now ... this fall," Ard said. "What better gift to give yourself this holiday season than a new outlook on life and a new commitment to a healthy lifestyle."

For more information on EatRight and the Lose 25 by the 25th Challenge, call 205-934-7053 or go to www.uab.edu/shp/eatright.