Sheppard's Biggest Loser Challenge 2018 finishes off another succesful run Published April 20, 2018 By Airman 1st Class Pedro Tenorio 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Being an Airman requires many things. Some of these being strength, resilience, a haircut and a great work ethic. However, some forget that being physically fit should be one of the pillars to be a good Airman. The health promotion team here at Sheppard Air Force Base is especially dedicated to physical and overall fitness. The team hopes to eradicate unhealthy habits to create Airmen with strong fitness values and superior warriors. About 180 participants from Sheppard agreed to undergo this metamorphosis of passive to active fitness fighters. These people then split into 44 teams and began the race for Biggest Loser. Sheppard’s Biggest Loser Challenge works on a point system in which participants gain points by losing weight or gaining muscle. Teams also gain points for group fitness or nutrition education classes. The Biggest Loser Challenge is not all about losing weight; it’s a means to an end. A competition to get people in the right direction. “The challenge is not just about weight loss,” said Saralauren Peacock, Sheppard’s Health Promotion registered dietitian. “The challenge focused on an overall healthy lifestyle and learning the importance of proper nutrition. Also, many teams were participating to gain muscle.” Peacock also discussed how this wasn’t just about bettering one's self, but to help better each other. “I designed the challenge to involve teams so that they could hold each other accountable and to increase overall morale,” Peacock said. “The same concept we use as Airmen are the guiding principles of the challenge – never leave someone behind.” Her words rang true as offices turned fitness squads saw the benefit of facing the beast of fitness together. “I really enjoyed coming together as a team to represent the squadron while also improving ourselves as individuals,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Thorp, team captain of the first place winners, Team MOAB. “We learned a lot from the variety of classes that were offered and we pushed ourselves in new ways as first-timers in the physical fitness classes.” The concept of being held accountable by team members played a big role as health promotions logged more than 2,400 hours of group exercise and 206 hours of nutrition education classes. All of that amassed a total of 910 pounds of body fat that was harmed in the process of this challenge. The gains totaled a whopping 417 pounds of muscle. This event also raised 612 pounds of food for the Wichita Falls Food Bank and challenge members enjoyed a golden egg hunt to help boost morale and get outside. In the end, the first place winners were Team MOAB, in second was Team Rise Up Lights, and bringing home bronze was Meal Team 6. The overall individual winner was Master Sgt. Jason English of Team Phat Avionics.