Biggest-loser contest encourages weight loss Published Jan. 3, 2011 By Airman Samuel Anderson 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFNS) -- Fitness center and health and wellness center officials here are starting a biggest-loser contest to encourage Airmen and civilians to lose weight and build better lifestyles. The competition begins Jan 5, and is scheduled to continue through early April. "This contest is about losing weight," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Behr, the 366th Force Support Squadron fitness director. "At the same time, we want people to actually start living a healthier lifestyle. Longevity is what we are going for." Here are the rules and guidelines: -- Contestants will be split into teams of five according to gender and will be asked to participate in optional weigh-in and body-fat tests -- Tests will be performed by HAWC officials to determine an accurate percentage of fat to lean mass -- Participants will be on an honor system with no mandatory check-in -- There will be a schedule of potential weight-loss exercises available. However, this schedule is not mandatory and participants are encouraged to try their own exercises -- At the end of every workout, participants will complete a sign-out sheet to log the amount of time spent on each exercise At the end of the contest, there will be an awards ceremony for the team and individual winners who will receive T-shirts and certificates recognizing their accomplishments. For information on exercise and weight-loss programs available at your base, contact the base fitness center.