For 16 weeks participants in the inaugural State Knockout Weight Loss Challenge committed to a healthy eating plan and training hard with the ultimate goal of losing weight and reducing their waist size. Today we are proud to announce the individual winners of the weight loss challenge.

Dana Hogg, from the Menindee Fat Yabs team won the female category, losing an amazing 23.5 kg (22.5%) during the challenge.

Daniel Fusi, also from the Menindee Fat Yabs won the male category with a total weight loss of 20.3kg (21.5%).

Michael Ingrey and Karen Cooley from the La Perlose team received awards for losing the most off their waist circumference.

Both Michael and Karen reduced their waist size by 24 centimetres.

Thirteen teams took part in the inaugural State Knockout Challenge - the first initiative of the Culture Health Communities Program which is designed to link Aboriginal culture with an individual’s participation in their own health.  

The Culture Health Communities Program is a new and developing concept under the Chronic Care for Aboriginal People Program and a key Aboriginal Engagement Strategy for referral and pathways to chronic disease services.

The overall team winners of the inaugural State Knockout Challenge were the Menindee Fat Yabs. The team lost at total of 284kgs, an amazing 12% of their combined starting weights.

Over 16 weeks, teams shed a combined 1100 kilos of excess weight. Some competitors lost over 20% of their initial body weight.

La Perlose from the La Perouse area placed 2nd. 

Bidgee United from the Griffith region took out 3rd place.

Program Manager, Raylene Gordon said there have been some amazing individual and team results.

“I congratulate everybody involved in this new and exciting initiative which engages Aboriginal communities to participate in their own health and outcomes.”