Hagie bolsters wellness with Biggest Loser challenge

There are many aspects that contribute to good health: physical activity, nutrition, proper rest, treatment of disease, a safe environment, and more. But for a large portion of Americans, weight management is a major health issue. Obesity in the United States has increased 157 percent since 1990, according to Amy Michelle, director of Live Healthy Iowa.

Naturally, medical professionals, researchers, and even governments are trying to improve health outcomes for citizens by encouraging weight loss. But even some businesses, knowing that healthier workers are happier workers, are promoting weight loss for wellness.

For the past three years, Hagie Manufacturing in Clarion has held a “Biggest Loser” contest for their employees—a weight loss competition with administration and support provided by Kim Gniadecki, Hagie health and wellness coach.

Gniadecki said the competition has had 75-85 participants each year, about 25-30 percent of the company. Some are first-time participants, and some have joined all three. This year, 75 participants on 15 teams lost 653 pounds.

“I could name 15 people whose lives have changed [through the program],” Gniadecki said. “We learn to start taking responsibility for our own health.”

For the full story, see the April 26 edition of the Monitor.