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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesCrucians Sign Up for Weight Loss Challenge

Crucians Sign Up for Weight Loss Challenge




Arash PahlavanEveryone has seen the before-and-after photos from diet programs. Thirty St. Croix residents had "before" photos taken Monday night at the D.C. Canegata Multi-Purpose Recreation Center, in hopes that their "after" photos will look so good they will win more than $300.

The residents were registering for the 12-week Weight Loss Challenge. The program will be conducted by Arash Pahlavan and is based on the popular fitness reality TV show "The Biggest Loser."

"This is just the beginning," Pahlavan said before the class. He has been a personal wellness coach in the Virgin Islands for three years. He has experience educating individuals in fighting obesity and developing healthier lifestyles, according to a news release announcing the class.

Pahlavan said he hopes the program will grow to having 40 classes held simultaneously. Classes can be held in government offices and in various businesses for employees, he said.

This first class, which offer tips on nutrition and exercise, is a partnership with the Department of Housing, Parks and Recreation and the Nutrition Club.

The class, offered to the public, showed potential for growth as 25 people pre-registered, filling the class, and the number of walk-ins prompted Pahlavan to say a second class would be spawned.

"This class came about because we recognized a huge need for people to get healthier and learn more about nutrition," he said.

The class costs $35, and the money will go for prizes to the most successful participants. The winner will get more than $300, the second-place participant will get more than $200, and whoever comes in third will get at least $100.

Topics during the course will include:

  • Protein intake
  • Calorie intake
  • Digestive health
  • Making sense of carbohydrates
  • Importance of hydration
  • Understanding fats
  • Dining out
  • Exercise
  • Healthy heart

"People started to get comfortable and really got into the discussion," Pahlavan said after the class. "It was very interactive. The spirit of competition is on. … This is a very exciting program. The future is bright. We will truly have over 40 weight-loss challenges in the next six months."

Interested individuals are urged to contact the D.C. Canegata Multi-Purpose Recreation Center at 773-3954 for more details of the program. People interested in joining can also pre-register by calling 800-378-1905.

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