Greene County residents lose more than 1,600 pounds despite COVID’s challenges | Local Announcements

CATSKILL — Recently, winners from the Greene County Rural Health Network’s 9th Annual Biggest Loser contest were announced. The FREE contest began 16 weeks ago with participants weighing in at different locations throughout Greene County. Over the course of the contest participants were provided with healthy tips on nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and much more. Virtual clinics, ZOOM exercise classes and a Facebook community provided participants with the support they needed to reach their goals. Despite the additional challenges COVID presented, the contest concluded with over 150 finishers losing a cumulative total of over 1600lbs.

As a registered dietician working at Hannaford supermarkets and promoting it’s Healthy Living Program, Patricia Wukitsch is one of the experts involved with Biggest Loser “I educate shoppers that weight loss is a journey, not a destination and it’s never too late to get on track. We have been pleased to partner with Biggest Loser and congratulate all of this year’s participants!” Jeremy Newkirk of Leeds was one of the contest’s big winners. Of the contest he says, “When I started this in February, I was as heavy as I had ever been and was losing the ability to do things that everyone takes for granted like tying your shoes…this competition has jumpstarted my drive and the results have made me want it more. The results work so I’m sticking with it…My goal is 170lbs. And I will achieve my goal.”