How to Set Up a Weight-loss Challenge

Losing weight is challenging and often isolating. A weight-loss challenge brings together friends and acquaintances who want to lose a few pounds but need support to do it. It's easier to stay motivated to lose weight when you're in the company of others who share the same goal. Add a little friendly challenge and team spirit -- and losing weight becomes fun.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact friends, families and co-workers. Ask if they'd like to be part of the next weight-loss challenge. Make a list of all participants.

• 2

  Schedule the first meeting at someone's home to set up the challenge. Collect $10 from each participant. Pool the money, and buy a gift certificate to an upscale restaurant that serves healthy food.

• 3

  Divide the participants into three or four teams with an equal number of people. Do this by selecting names randomly from a hat.

• 4

  Do the first weigh-in. Record each person's weight on a chart, along with the date and the team they're on.

• 5

  Discuss weight-loss strategies, and serve healthy snacks. Set a time for the next meeting, which should take place in seven days.

• 6

  Meet every seven days for a weigh-in and motivational session. Discuss exercise strategies, nutritional basics and how to stay motivated at each meeting. Give encouragement to help each participant stay on course. Record each person's weekly weight.

• 7

  Schedule the final weigh-in at the end of two months. Tabulate each team's total weight loss, and determine the winning team. Present the restaurant gift certificate to the team that lost the most weight.