CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Twenty-one participants who completed this year’s “Biggest Loser” contest shed 116 pounds in fat mass, according to organizers.

The Armed Forces Wellness Center celebrated the end of the six-week competition Wednesday with an awards ceremony at Yano Fitness Center.

“I think it was very successful,” said Diane Thompson, a health educator at AFWC. “Gauging by the numbers, we had a lot of people shifting behaviors to help meet their goal.”

The annual contest aims to help Camp Zama personnel achieve and maintain a healthy weight and body composition through health education and behavioral change.

This year, participants also gained nearly 16 pounds of fat free mass, which is typically muscle – a difficult thing to do when also trying to trim down.

“It’s not what you expect to see when you have people losing weight,” Thompson said. “It takes a lot of thought and tweaking [diets and strength training] in order to be able to do both at the same time.”

Megan Hansen, an Army spouse, won the women’s category of the contest, while Zachary Okemura, a general engineer, earned first place in the men’s category.

While she admitted there were tough days along her journey, Hansen said she still shed 13 pounds in the short period of time.

“I’m proud of myself,” she said. “I felt like it was worth my time, and I would do it again.”

For others seeking a healthier lifestyle, Hansen said having a steady state of self-discipline can help them achieve their goals.

A support system, which included her husband, friends and other participants, also motivated her to continue pushing forward.

“My best advice is just to be consistent as best as you can manage,” she said. “Life is busy right now for a lot of people and there are a lot of highs and lows out there. If you can just keep your eye on the prize, I think that is the key.”

To track their progress during the contest, participants underwent assessments, including the Bod Pod system, a body composition test that determines the ratio of body fat to lean mass.

Metabolic testing was also available to help them identify their unique target caloric zone, as well as biofeedback to see how their bodies respond to stress.

In addition, participants attended classes at the center to learn weight management strategies in the areas of sleep, nutrition and activity.

Thompson said the event kicks off every January to support health goals that community members may have at the beginning of the year.

“By nature, when we come to a new year, people look at that as a time of regeneration, of growth or new beginnings,” she said. “Getting into better health, I think, is always at the top when people are thinking about what I want to do with my life and what goals do I have for myself.”

For those who missed out on the competition, AFWC continues to provide its services throughout the year. Community members can call 263-4073 or 046-407-4073 for more information.