About 1,420 lb! That's how much weight was lost at the end of the first annual National Health Fund (NHF) Work It Out Challenge, where teams of five co-workers from 53 corporate businesses competed in the gruelling weight loss challenge, much like in the reality TV show, The Biggest Loser, committing to careful dieting and exercise.

The NHF and JamFit launched this corporate competition for the first time this year in order to promote a slimmer, healthier workforce.

After three long, gruelling months, it was all smiles and congratulations for each other on how fabulous they looked. Interestingly, most teams were made up of women, and they showed off their new, svelte figures and toned calves in stiletto heels and flirty dresses that showed off their trim legs and arms, and skins' healthy glow.

Winning strategy

Hart Hill from Ocho Rios might have taken the top team award (and iPods) by losing 124 lb with their winning strategy of drinking a gallon of grape juice (per team member) each week, but the real surprise sweetheart of the competition was Alita Bartley, who lost more than 50 lb and was the biggest 'loser'. Definitely the 'fluffiest' of ladies, the shy Bartley, conservatively attired in a loose pink and purple shirt, pants and comfortable shoes, emerged blushing from the back of the room, to gasps from the crowd and a standing ovation, to collect her prize of $27,000 in gym vouchers. It was obvious from her stride that the South-East Regional Health Authority employee had stepped up to the challenge and had gained more energy.

"I couldn't have done it without my co-workers," she said with a surprised grin that lit up her face every time the crowd cheered.

Also awarded was young Neil Cox, who won a $5,000 gift certificate from Acorn Bookstore in the NHF School Poster Competition. The 34 teams that made it to the final weigh-in for the 'Work It Out' challenge received five vouchers each for a reflexology session.

grace-ann.black@gleanerjm.com

'I couldn't have done it without my co-workers,' she said with a surprised grin that lit up her face every time the crowd cheered.'