There was great response to the Pounds for Relief (PFR) 12-week Weight Loss Challenge at Windsor Assembly Plant. Working Toward Wellness (WTW) staff were at the plant to provide support to people who wanted to weigh in on a weekly basis. Those employees who checked in regularly were provided with information on a new topic each week. A personal trainer was on-site on alternate Tuesdays during the challenge to help support employees who had questions about physical activity. Participants were also supported with weekly emails on healthy eating and being active.

All participants were encouraged to weigh in at the 6-week mark to measure their progress. At the midpoint:

• There was an average weight loss of 6 pounds and a loss of about 1 inch off the waist!
• Inspection/Front End was the leading department, with an average of over 11 pounds lost! 
• One employee had lost 31 lbs!

The PFR challenge wrapped up on August 9th. Participants turned out to see how much weight they lost and how much they contributed to the overall WAP donation. In total, more than ½ ton (1031 pounds) were lost. Prizes were awarded based on the greatest percentage of weight lost and the most weight lost; employees from the department with the greatest percentage of weight lost were also awarded a prize. Congratulations to the challenge winners:

• Highest percentage of weight lost: Serge Lachapelle (14.6%)
• Most weight lost: Serge Lachapelle (51 pounds)
• Employees from the department with the greatest percentage of weight lost: Nicole Grainger, Mario Spada, and Kendall Harris of Final Car (6.24 %)

Serge Lachapelle - Chassis
Pounds lost: 51
Inches lost: 5
Reason for your success: Support from the wellness staff, my family, and friends. Changing my diet and exercising.

Nicole Grainger – Final Car
Pounds lost: 12
Inches lost: 0
Reason for your success: Pre-planning of meals and snacks.

Todd Tracey - Paint/Material
Pounds lost: 25
Inches lost: 4
Reason for your success: Participation of co-workers and watching my own progress.

Dawn Tracey – Trim
Pounds lost: 11
Inches lost: 2
Reason for your success: Cutting back on soda pop intake, and snacks.

Mike Breutigam – Trades/BIW
Pounds lost: 24
Inches lost: 4
Reason for your success: Eating well and the challenge to lose weight.

Tammy Maisonville – Doorline
Pounds lost: 11
Inches lost: 1.5
Reason for your success: Summer fruits and veggies.