When Stephanie Mackey, Patient Service Representative Supervisor at Scheie Eye Institute, decided to create a group of coworkers for a weight loss challenge, she had no idea how successful the group would be.
Over 15 weeks, a group of about 25 employees met for bi-weekly weigh-ins, tracking the number of pounds and percentage of weight lost. After more than three months, the people who lost the greatest percentage of weight won cash prizes.
And the winners are. . .
Scheie security guard Lacretia Bartell, who lost 13.5 percent of her original body weight, took the top prize. Meg Macfarlane got second place, losing 12.4 percent of her original weight. Third place went to Hattie Greene, who lost 11.8 percent of her original weight. Runners up included Gaby Ortiz (lost 25lbs); Kathy McNelis (15lbs); Stephanie Mackey (12lbs); Andrea Fortune (12lbs) and Kiersteen Keeler (10lbs).
Several participants have won in other ways. Three people have been taken off of their blood pressure medication and one other does not have to wear her knee brace anymore because of her weight loss.
“My goal was to promote a healthier lifestyle and for the most part, I have succeeded,” said Mackey.
The group has lost 276lbs in total, so far. Although they won’t be competing for any cash prizes, many of the group members are continuing with their weight loss efforts, and will be meeting for bi-weekly “weigh ins” to track their progress.
Congratulations to everyone involved. Keep up the inspirational work!
