Dibrell teachers compete to be Biggest Loser

With juvenile obesity being one of the most daunting problems facing America’s youth, teachers at Dibrell School are leading by example, competing in their own Biggest Loser contest which will continue through the summer.

To date, as they prepare to break for summer, the 24 Dibrell teachers and staff members have combined to lose 132.5 pounds since spring break when the contest began. It will conclude when teachers return to school in August.

The halfway leader, Tami Stoner, lost 6.9 percent of her body weight, tipping the scales at a petite 119. Percentage of body weight, not overall weight, is how winners are determined to give all contestants an equal chance.

‘I am delighted at the amount of weight lost with this program. Our teachers and staff are committed to healthier eating habits,’ said school nurse and program director Stephanie Walls. ‘The Biggest Loser, Dibrell edition, is encouraging each teacher to exercise and maintain a healthy weight.’

Dibrell teacher Barry Bost said he lost 13 pounds thus far by watching what he eats and exercising more.

‘I should have been doing this all along but it’s easier when you have other people doing it as a team,’ said Bost, noting years ago, before his first diet, he weighed around 290 pounds before losing 60 pounds on that diet. ‘I let a little of that come back on but now that’s 13 back off.’

As for the team mentality, there are 12 teachers on each team, one gold and one purple, reflecting the school colors. The winning weight loser at the end will win a six-month gym membership. Meanwhile, the winning team will have bragging rights. According to Walls, the teachers are taking it seriously when it comes to weigh-ins each Monday.

‘Tempting the competition, the gold team gave out brownies and chocolate bars to everyone on the purple team one time,’ Walls said, noting the gold team has five weekly wins compared to two by the purple.

The gold team also won a Subway lunch provided by the Dibrell PTO for having the most members participate in the recent Wildcat 5K walk.

Considering America’s obesity problem, Dibrell organizers are encouraging other Warren County schools to have their own Biggest Loser challenge when school resumes next year.