FARMINGTON — More than 1,000 pounds were lost by Work Off Weight (WOW) participants during a 24-week weight loss competition organized by the Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) Wellness Team. The goal of the program was to engage and educate FCHN staff in a healthy weight loss and/or weight maintenance program.

Participants were required to weigh-in each week at designated stations throughout the health network, where program leaders recorded their progress. Incentives to participate included earned time off and a Wii game system and Wii Fit were awarded to the two people who lost the highest percentage of body weight. Those who weighed in at least 20 out of the 24 weeks were also eligible for prizes.

Overall winners were Deb Brinkman and Margaret Mitchell, who lost 18 percent and 17 percent of their body weight, respectively. Deb Staier, Carol Martineau, Beth Massee, Janis Walker, Ann Souther, Lorna Collins and Nancy Davis also placed in the top 10. Beth O’Donnell was the random participant winner.

“Participants noted that having some accountability each week was helpful to their staying on track with their weight loss goals,” said Sherra Osgood, FCHN Wellness Team chairwoman. “A maintenance portion of the program will run through the end of the year to encouraging people to stay within two pounds of their final weigh in.”

For more information, contact Osgood at 779-2933 or e-mail [email protected].