Living to 100 has become the expected norm in the United States. How individuals choose to live it, whether healthy and active, or ill and infirm, to a great extent depends on the lifestyle choices they make throughout their lives.
Offering incentive and support to individuals in the Tiffin area who want to embrace that healthy lifestyle, Fabrizio Chiropractic, 676 Miami St., is running its own version of the “Biggest Loser” beginning March 26.
Each individual pays $29 to participate; at the end it will be the percentage of body weight lost that determines the winner. The individual in first place will receive 50 percent of the pot; second place 30 percent and third place 20 percent.
“Ohio is number 10 in obesity rates and there is no state in the union that is below a 15-percent obesity rate,” said owner Nick Fabrizio. It used to be that 10 to 15 percent was high, now there is not one state that is below that.”
With people now capable of living to be 100, or beyond, it’s time to consider the 100-year lifestyle, he added. With the No. 1 and 2 killers heart disease and cancer, which are directly related to diet and lifestyle choices, Fabrizio said, it’s increasingly important for individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices.
To help area individuals, Fabrizio Chiropractice thought to create a weight-loss challenge.
The challenge starts 6:30 p.m. March 26 with the first of 12 informational meetings. Participants are welcome to use any weight loss program they would like. If they don’t have a program, Fabrizio said they can use Herballife, used in the office’s programs.
In addition to the $29 registration fee, if a participant gains weight from one week to the next, they will pay in $1 per pound gained. If they miss a meeting and fail to weigh in, they turn more than $5. All money collected is used towards the payout.
Individuals can visit www.gowlc.com to see the series of steps each person who participates will take. Each step is centered on a topic that helps introduce healthy choices in their lives. Steps include the importance of protein, water consumption, nutritional labels, dining out and exercise.
The plan is to have the weight loss challenge continue, beginning the next three weeks after the last one began. Gary Miller, executive director of the Tiffin YMCA has agreed to have the next session, beginning April 14, be conducted at the Y, Fabrizio said.
“It fits into their mission,” Fabrizio said, adding that although good nutrition is important, pairing that with exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle.
“You are looking for a balance in overall wellness,” he said. “Would you rather live to be 100 and feel good. We’re looking at vitality, everyone knows a person with a bounce in their step, and a look in their eye.”
Fabrizio said the weight loss challenge is a great way to educate the public the way to lasting weight loss is to make lifestyle changes.
“You can get coaching at your fingertips and if the exercise is hurting,we have the office here to help,’’ he said. “If you don’t have a support system, we are here.”
Fabrizio hopes to promote the challenge to area businesses as a fun way to help their employees become healthier.
Those interested in participating in the weight loss challenge are required to pre-register by calling (419) 448-5533.
