Consistency is key.
This is the “secret” of employees of the provincial government of Ifugao who participated in the “biggest loser” challenge of the Provincial Health Office, which started last April.
Biggest loser grand winner Zyndie Immatong, 35, said she was able to shed 14.4 kilos from her previous weight of 72.1 kilos by completely eliminating rice from her diet and consuming only a nutritious mix of vegetables and eggs. She complemented her diet with morning and evening workouts
She said it was difficult particularly resisting her cravings and her rice intake, but with discipline, she was able to achieve a weight of 57.7 kilos after only three months.
Difficulty in breathing, constant fatigue and persistent body pain were what prompted her to join the weight loss challenge.
The mother of a four-year-old also boy revealed that her current weight is her fittest and healthiest form and she is determined to maintain her ideal body weight. She said her new weight has helped her gain more self-confidence.
Another winner is Marcela Pugong from the Office of the Provincial Accountant who lost 12.6 kg.
Pugong’s weight in April was 77.5 kg and has achieved a healthier weight of 64.9 kg.
Benalyn Lachaona, an administrative aide at Mayoyao District Hospital, earned the third spot with a 10.6 kg reduction in weight. Her journey began with a weight of 74.3 kg, and is now down to 63.7 kg.
Lachaona attributes her weight loss to a combination of exercise, reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods, and her determination and self-discipline.
In the 2022 assessment of PHO, hypertension, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus are the top health issues of provincial government employees.
A total of 178 obese and overweight employees of the provincial government participated in the three-month challenge that started on April 14.
The biggest losers received certificates of achievement and a P15,000 cash prize for the 1st placer; P10,000 for the 2nd placer, and P5,000 for the third placer .
Ten employees were also awarded consolation prizes of P1,000 each for losing six to 10 kilos during the three-month challenge. – Florida B. Robles
