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Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate in
Mississippi. In the Clinton School District, we limit caloric value of food
sold in vending machines, require that students get 150 minutes a week of
physical activity, and offer balanced, low-fat meals in cafeterias, among other
measures. But for us to be truly successful, we had to find a way to get
parents and teachers to set positive examples for their children.
In the fall of 2009 a Biggest Loser-type contest called
“Arrow Meltdown” was coordinated for parents and teachers in partnership with a
local fitness center. We began accepting applications after Thanksgiving break
and in January a panel of health, fitness and nutrition experts chose 16
participants (out of nearly 65 applicants) to participate in the contest.
Arrow Meltdown kicked off in January 2010. Participated
attended 12 weekly fitness and nutrition “boot camps” where they learned how to
eat health and exercise, not just for the duration of the contest but for the
long-term. At the end of the contest we held a Healthy Family Day health fair,
where the final weigh-in was held and winners announced. Angela Thompson, a
mother of five who lost 22 percent of her body weight during the contest, won
our grand prize valued at more than $4,000.
The combined weigh loss for Arrow Meltdown was 500 pounds.
Each of our seven schools held faculty and staff weight-loss contests during
Arrow Meltdown. This year we’re holding the contest again with 16 more parents
and teachers, and we also worked with a community group in Yazoo City to start
a similar weight-loss contest.
Duration of partnership: 2 years
30 volunteers
Impacts 4,600 students
Activities: “Arrow
Meltdown” contest modeled after “Biggest Loser” consisting of 12-week fitness
and nutrition “boot camps” for parents and teachers. Total of 16 out of 65
applicants were screened and selected by a professional panel to participate.
After contest, partnership organized Healthy Family Day health fair that
included final contest weigh-in and announcement of winner. Angela Thompson,
mother of 5 who lost 22% of her body weight, won grand prize of $4,000.
Results: Combined
weight loss of all participants was 500 pounds. Contest influenced students and
teachers to focus more on fitness and nutrition. Each school in district (7)
held faculty and staff weight-loss contests during Meltdown.
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