CONWAY, N.H. (AP) – More than 200 people in the Mount Washington Valley have turned weight loss into a community effort, and took off a ton of pounds.
A real ton.
The 218 people who signed up for the Mount Washington Spring Melt Down say they lost 2,133 pounds in 60 days, an average of almost 10 pounds per person. Some lost more than 25 percent, others between 15 and 24 pounds. About half lost between 5 and 14 pounds.
Donna Woodward came up with the idea on the cable access television show she has with three other women.
“The idea was stimulated from a conversation we had on the show,” Woodward said. “We were talking about resolutions and how we all make them, but hardly ever keep them, and the most repeated resolution is about weight loss and getting in shape for the summer.
“I was hoping it was something the community would find fun and it would be a nice way to kick start healthy programs.”
Woodward and her colleagues on “A Point of View,” Janice Crawford, Theresa Kennett and Dot Seybold, competed against another four-woman team to spark interest. But they invited everyone to take part.
“I always believe if you have to do something at least find a way to make it fun, and we did. Many of the health clubs throughout the area were excited about getting involved,” Woodward said.
Weigh-ins were held at health clubs in the valley in February, and there were regular updates. The final weigh-in was April 15. Kathy Loretta said she started going to the gym three times a week to work with a personal trainer with two other woman.
“We really created a bond between us to encourage each other and continue,” she said. “This was my motivation to get me going, and it’s becoming my way of life.”
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