USA TODAY has just kicked off its fourth annual Weight-Loss Challenge. This year’s challenge highlights the stories of people who have successfully lost weight and kept it off – weight loss champions! – in order to motivate and encourage readers to do the same. Read more about it here.

This year the Weight-Loss Challenge coincides with the launch of USA TODAY’s Network Journalism Initiative which includes an on-line forum where readers and weight loss champions can share experiences and advice with each other. One of the weight loss champions stepping out to encourage others in losing weight and keeping it off is our very own Kathy DePonte.

Look for Kathy’s posts at the USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge Forum

I was one of the participants in the ABC Primetime Weight Loss Special (Game theory), and this is my story of how I became involved with the weight loss team.

I never had an issue with my weight – I’m 5’10” and my weight was in proportion with my body type.  I always ate well balanced meals and I exercised regularly.  That is until about 3 years ago.  In May 2004 I lost my best friend, my soul mate – my husband.  He died suddenly one night from Sudden Cardiac Death.  My world was shattered.  I completely shut down.

I stopped eating well and exercising, I was giving up.  Because I was not following a healthy lifestyle, I gained about 55 pounds in 2 years.  My heart was broken, my spirit was buried (under all that extra weight) and my will for life was gone. 

When Bigelow sent out a memo looking for volunteers to lose 15 pounds in 8 weeks – I thought – you know this is what I need to start living again because I was only making myself more miserable – and it was then that I finally faced the fact that my husband was never coming back (denial is something that is normal to feel during the grieving process).  It was time to see if I still had the spirit to go on and the will to achieve the goals of the weightloss team. 

The most defining moment was when I stepped on the scale in front of the Primetime cameras and was told that I weighed in at 212 ( I said you got to be kidding me!)  From that point on I was determined to work very hard at changing my eating habits.  I joined a gym and a Pilate’s class.  I bought an Ab Lounger to work out on at home.  Already, I started feeling better emotionally -  I finally had something to do to occupy my time and thoughts.

I love competition – so when the men on the team starting dropping weight very quickly, I kicked my energy level up a notch.  No way was a guy going to lose more weight than me, I thought.  As the pounds started coming off, my spirit and will for life started coming back.  As the challenge came to an end on September 19th, the goal was to weigh-in at 197 pounds to achieve the 15 pound weight loss.  I weighed in at 181 – I lost 31 pounds, the most between both teams. 

I felt good about myself for the first time in a long while.  I was speechless and overwhelmed!

I am continuing this new lifestyle and I plan on getting my weight down to 150 pounds.

Check in from time to time to see how I am doing.

By the way, this picture is me before I started to loose weight!   

Kat D

In a healthy partnership for healthful living, ABC and Bigelow Tea joined forces this summer. A competition was set to follow two teams testing weight loss moTEAvators. The Bigelow Tea Team was on a quest to become healthy for one’s sake. The Bridgeport Bluefish Corporate Office who took on becoming healthy to avoid humiliation. he The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Special, which aired December 20th , followed the story and people who took part in the event.

MEET TEAM BIGELOW  

• KATHY (-31 pounds)
  “Several years ago, I lost my spirit and my true self and I gained at least 55 pounds. Being a member of the TEAm Bigelow gave me the will, moTEAvation and the determination to start a journey to find what I lost and to lose what I gained. With everyone’s support, friendship and caring words and deeds, my spirit is starting to rise again and I am on my way to losing the extra pounds. And watch out – my true self hopefully will be arriving too.”
• MELANIE (-18 pounds)
  “I will admit that although being on television was not a goal for me, wanting to prove to all of ‘TV Land’ that I could make the effort and successfully lose the 15 pounds was a huge incentive! But the BEST part for me was actually DOING IT…LOSING the weight! I was beginning to feel that my age and injuries were going to win the ‘battle of the bulge’ but I found out that victory always goes to hard work and perseverance! Cliché or not, I forever count my experience with Bigelow’s weight loss team as a solid foundation for future successes.”
• ED (-22 pounds)
  “I have learned through this experience that, “It is not necessarily our individual efforts that make the most difference but it is the support, courage and hard work of others that help individuals accomplish great and challenging things.”
• DON (-22 pounds)
  “The challenge was far more than just a weight loss experiment; it was an intimate opportunity to share and support many different facets of teammate life experiences that became appreciated through the shared relationships in achieving our goal.”
• LIZ (-20 pounds)
  “This was truly a life style change for me. Getting up at 4:25am was not a problem. I am at the gym by 5:00am each day. I never went to the gym before this. My motto is, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Phil 4:13 – I prayed a lot, cried a lot, and drank lots of Green Tea. I have no desire to eat and do the things I did before. I have to thank God, ABC, the ‘TEAM,’ my co-workers, and my family. Everyone was and is very supportive!
• MARYANN (-16 pounds)
  Leafy greens are quite okay,
  But white and starchy…stay away.
  Drink lots of green tea and water every day,
  and watch your waistline waste away.
• MIKE (-19 pounds)
  “Never go to a weigh-in with wet pants.”
• JEANNETTE (-13 pounds)
  “It was a challenge but by faith and hard work, I was able to drop 13 of the 15 pounds required to meet PRIMETIME requirements. Due to getting off to a slow start because of some of the medication I was (and still am) taking, I came up short, but I am still determined to lose a total of 60 pounds and get down at least three more dress sizes by the grace of God. I have already dropped two sizes during the past two months. – My advise to anyone out there who is thinking about loosing weight, “JUST DO IT.” You don’t know what you can accomplish if you first do not try.”
• CHERYL (-19 pounds)
  “Although this weight loss exercise was ultimately individual goals we each had to attain, utilizing teamwork to achieve its success was equally important. For me, the interest, support and coaching from family and co-workers were vital elements that geared me towards accomplishing my goal through a change of lifestyle that includes a better balance of both diet and exercise.”
• RICHARD (-20 pounds)
  “To lose weight, eat everything and anything you desire, but beware, you are what you eat, so eat less and you will see less….of yourself.”
• CINDI (Team’s General Manager)
  “This has been one of the most enjoyable journeys as I watched a group of people pull together and work so hard to help each other achieve their goal. It was a very moTEAvational experience that one could take a lesson from in every chapter of life.”

The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Loss Special aired on local ABC channels on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10pm, EST. ABC News also covered the story. ABC News Primetime also detailed the science at their site.

In a healthy partnership for healthful living, ABC and Bigelow Tea joined forces this summer. A competition was set to follow two teams testing weight loss moTEAvators. The Bigelow Tea Team was on a quest to become healthy for one’s sake. The Bridgeport Bluefish Corporate Office took on becoming healthy to avoid humiliation. The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Special, which aired December 20th, followed the story and people who took part in the event.

THE CHALLENGE ENDS with the FINAL WEIGH-IN

With eager anticipation, September 19 finally arrived and many of us found it comforting to reach the end of the challenge. Bridgeport’s Arena at Harbor Yard hosted the final weigh-in segment. As ABC was performing final setup preparations, we each had time to reflect over the course of events that led up to this day.

For the first time since the weight loss challenge began, both teams met face-to-face. Emerging from the ballpark dugouts, team participants met over home plate and shook hands before proceeding up the stadium steps for another interview to relate our weight loss experiences. Then it was time to face the scale one last time � just each of us and the scale.

Once again, ABC recorded everyone’s weight as they stepped up for their final weigh-in. Tom, Christine and Jay tallied the individual weight losses and team points. The moment of truth arrived as one-by-one, the results were announced. Weight losses from both teams ranged from 13 to 31 pounds.

Everyone came close or exceeded the goal! ABC Primetime hightlighted how positive and negative moTEAvations work in team environments and proved the power of TEAM BIGELOW!

The JOURNEY AFTER

Looking beyond the first 15 pounds of weight loss, the team was determined the challenge was not going to end. Although a few have already reached their ultimate weight goal, plans were put in place to successfully maintain their weight. While many others still have a few additional pounds to shed, TEAM Bigelow has geared up once again and established another two-month goal along with ultimate weight goals. As we continue our quest to shed those extra unwanted pounds, the weekly weigh-ins are continuing but we can feel comfortable that the cameras are not lurking around corners!

The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Loss Special aired on local ABC channels on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10pm, EST. ABC News covered the story. ABC News Primetime also detailed the science at their site.

In a healthy partnership for healthful living, ABC and Bigelow Tea joined forces this summer. A competition was set to follow two teams testing weight loss moTEAvators. The Bigelow Tea Team was on a quest to become healthy for one’s sake. The Bridgeport Bluefish Corporate Office who took on becoming healthy to avoid humiliation. he The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Special, which aired December 20th, followed the story and people who took part in the event.

Oh Those Scales!

Throughout the challenge, the single most debated topic centered on the accuracy of our scale readings. Three weeks into the challenge, the warehouse scale wasn’t putting out accurate scale readings. A new scale was purchased, yet the debates about accuracy continued. A third scale was brought in for comparison purposes. Yet, the results were disheartening �- three different scales all produced different readings!

Keeping our fingers crossed, we felt confident the digital scale was within a 1-2 pound variance from ABC’s. To be on the safe side, we thought an additional loss of two pounds would ensure that we would not experience any last-minute surprises at our final weigh-ins.

Oh Those Cameras!

Our three team members, Liz, Mike, and Don, were given cameras by ABC. They were asked to record the challenge as it happened. Each of them took their assignments seriously. Their keen and witty insights captured the essence of their personal journeys as well as the team adventures.

Feeling a little camera shy at first, Liz recorded everyone else but herself. One morning, she experienced a tearful meltdown and her son reached for the camera and began recording her innermost thoughts.

The comical camera buff, Mike, always looked for the unexpected rare moments. “Things seemed good to film at the time. If it airs, I’ll probably be in trouble!”

As for Don, he’s been very quiet about his own efforts, but be assured he will share some laughs along the way. Overall, more than 30 hours of film footage was provided to ABC for incorporation into the show. Whether it was a weekly meeting, weigh-in, lunch, gym workout, or home video, everything was fair game for this camera crew.

Still the team never wavered from their moTEAvation � scales and cameras only recorded the action.

ABC News Primetime detailed the science of the challenge at their site. ABC News also covered the story. The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Loss Special aired on local ABC channels on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10pm, EST.

In a healthy partnership for healthful living, ABC and Bigelow Tea joined forces this summer. A competition was set to follow two teams testing weight loss moTEAvators. The Bigelow Tea Team was on a quest to become healthy for one’s sake. The Bridgeport Bluefish Corporate Office who took on becoming healthy to avoid humiliation. he The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Special, which aired December 20th , followed the story and people who took part in the event.

More Bigelow Employees Join the Action

The challenge’s excitement and progress made news throughout our family-owned organization. Soon nineteen employees from Corporate and Operations came wanted to take on the quest of becoming healthy for one’s own sake. They agreed to abide by the established guidelines.

The Bigelow Tea Team was unofficially expanded to include these employees. Although their participation would not be highlighted on ABC’s show. A new TEAM ‘C’ also was named for all employees who elected to lose weight on their own. Without documentation of weekly weigh-ins, the total members and weight loss for this team is unknown.

The moTEAvation was spreading. Positive results were encouraging others to join in.

ABC News Primetime also detailed the science at their site. ABC News also covered the story. The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Loss Special aired on local ABC channels on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10pm, EST.

In a healthy partnership for healthful living, ABC and Bigelow Tea joined forces this summer. A competition was set to follow two teams testing weight loss moTEAvators. The Bigelow Tea Team was on a quest to become healthy for one’s sake. The Bridgeport Bluefish Corporate Office who took on becoming healthy to avoid humiliation. he The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Special, which aired December 20th, followed the story and people who took part in the event.

Team Strategy Takes Shape

A caravan of ABC personnel arrived at Bigelow early Tuesday morning, July 18, to set up lights, cameras, and sound and scale equipment. Then they set off to capture some early morning film shots of the Bigelow operations, as the Bigelow Tea team participants gathered on the production floor for the opening shoot. Each team member was greeted by Jay Schadler (ABC Primetime Correspondent). Then they participated in individual interviews.

Daily teamwork, diet and exercise became three synonymous words spoken throughout the next two months. With Cindi leading the group, the team’s strengths were identified and we began our journeys toward a healthier lifestyle. To assist in reducing the unwanted pounds, the company subsidized a two-month gym membership fee for each person and many participants elected to utilize one of the two gyms next door for their workouts. Others opted for neighborhood walks or other home activities.

It was difficult at first to change a lifestyle we were accustomed to, but once we became adjusted to the new routines, it was easier to continue with our exercise and diet programs. Feeling good about ourselves was a moTEAvating factor that encouraged us to stay the course. But one common denominator prevailed as the backbone of our strategy� the support given and received from teammates, coworkers and family. As our weight loss regimes continued, our weekly weigh-ins began to see promising results.

In the beginning, some of us were shy about stepping on the scale, but once the weights were posted on the board, the shyness disappeared along with the pounds and waistline measurements. Although individual weight loss triumphs and struggles were experienced along the way, sharing our stories aided in a greater support group as we focused on each person’s goal. The group shared constant advice about the effects that certain foods and exercises have on weight loss. A variety of articles and recipes were circulated and countless weight loss discussions occurred throughout the workday.

Halfway through the challenge, ABC returned to film one of our weekly weigh-ins along with additional camera footage at the homes of Liz, Don and Mike. By this time, four team members had reached their weight loss goal, some were within five pounds. Still a handful of others were experiencing a more slightly uphill battle. Yet, we were each determined that we would not let anyone on the team down. True diligence would prevail, and teamwork, dedication, and perseverance would win out. We increased the weekly weigh-ins to twice per week to help ensure that the team remained focused in reaching our goal.

Three guest speakers joined us to offer nutrition and weight loss information. Stavros Mastrogannis, Personal Trainer and Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, Rene White, Nutraceutical Consultant, and Lisa Storch, Holistic Nutrition Health Counselor. Each expert shed additional light on the impact of body, diet, exercise and the reaction to certain foods consumed on our quest for a healthful lifestyle. They also discussed other factors that affect our health and well-being (physical activity, career, spirituality and relationships) and shared recipes for healthful foods with us.

All of this support was sure working in our favor.

ABC News Primetime detailed the science of the story. ABC News covered the story with the team members. The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Loss Special aired on local ABC channels on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10pm, EST.

It was great to see all the work our ABC weight-loss team had put forth come to fruition on December 20th when Primetime aired the show on TV.

However, I think it was hard for the show to capture all the good work and all the effort the team required to lose the 15 pounds (or a lot more in many cases) over the 8 weeks. The audience never got the benefit of seeing all the teamwork, all the positive energy, all the reinforcement and all the HARD work that these 10 people did to win this contest.

The good news is it clearly showed how positive energy is the stronger of the forces and it also motivated many of our people inside Bigelow to lose weight. We continue to meet, we continue to lose weight — this has been a lifetime change for so many individuals. The team is still drinking their 3 cups of Bigelow green tea a day and we meet every Monday morning.

I think we owe a lot to ABC for putting us on this path�. So here’s to ABC Primetime and here’s to drinking green tea!!!! Happy New Year to everyone!

In a healthy partnership for healthful living, ABC and Bigelow Tea joined forces this summer. A competition was set to follow two teams testing weight loss moTEAvators. The Bigelow Tea Team was on a quest to become healthy for the sake of good health. The Bridgeport Bluefish Corporate Office took on becoming healthy to avoid humiliation. The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Loss Special, which aired December 20th, followed the story and people who took part in the event.

The Guidelines

Any contest or challenge needs guidelines to ensure that the contestants are playing by the same rules. These are the basics that were established to make sure the end result truly showed which motivator was more powerful.

ABC established detailed guidelines for the motivation challenge.

• Goal: Lose 15 pounds in two months.
• Ten participants per team.
• Minimum weight allowance to participate: 175 pounds.
• Same clothing must be worn for original and final weigh-ins.
• Participants choose their own weight-loss strategy.
• Scoring: Each team member earns 1 point if successfully losing 15 pounds or more at final weigh-in. No point awarded if less than 15 pounds lost. Total team points tallied to determine ultimate team winner.

The Bigelow Tea set guidelines.

• Agree to work in team fashion.
• Drink 3-4 cups of green tea daily.
• Weekly weigh-ins to be conducted.
• Weights to be posted on conference room board for tracking progress.

The guidelines were made known to all and were agreed upon.

The contest and the science behind it were discussed in detail on the Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore. ABC News Primetime also detailed the science at their site. ABC News also covered the story. The ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Loss Special aired on local ABC channels on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10pm, EST.

This story is carried over from 12/11 when we first reported on the weightloss team.

After our June visit from ABC Primetime, a�caravan of ABC personnel returned to Bigelow early in the morning on Tuesday, July 18. Their early hour allowed them to set up lights, cameras, sound and scale equipment. That task complete, they set off to capture some sunrise film shots of the Bigelow operations as team participants gathered on the production floor for the opening shoot. Each team member was greeted by Jay Schadler (ABC Primetime Correspondent) and then we participated in individual interviews.

The moment of reckoning was when we met at the Blending Warehouse for our initial weigh-ins. One-by one, we stepped up to the scale as our weights were recorded by the person from ABC. As part of the challenge, three of our team � we’ll meet the whole team at end of the series — were each presented with a video camera and asked to document their personal journeys and team events over the next two months. The day’s festivities concluded with a team meeting to discuss motivating ideas to assist in our team’s weight loss endeavors

ABC Primetime Challenge Weight Special is scheduled to air on local ABC channels on Wednesday, December 20th, at 10pm, EST. Check local listings to confirm.