Torrance Transit System - Biggest Loser Weight Loss Program

Target Audience: In an effort to promote employee health and wellness, Torrance Transit launched "The Biggest Loser" program in late 2017. The goal was to engage bus operators and Transit Department staff in not only weight loss related activities, but, to promote healthy and positive lifestyle changes. Utilizing donated gym equipment and refurbishing a room formerly used to store spare parts for fareboxes, the Transit department created a personal gym for all employees. For under $100, the gym was repainted, re-equipped with additional equipment, and a grand opening was held to signify the launch of the friendly competition. In total, 38 employees signed up for the 10 week program. Health Industry and Fitness expert, Wendy Ida, served as the motivational speaker and the competition got underway.

Strategy Objective:The objective of Torrance Transit's "Biggest Loser" program was to promote employee health and wellness, as well as to reinforce positive lifestyle changes. The sedentary nature of the work performed in the public transportation industry (particularly by bus operators) often leads to poor health and severe weight gains for us in the profession. To combat this and develop camaraderie amongst staff, the program was created to proactively address this challenge head-on through positive reinforcement, coaching and peer support.

Situation Challenge: For the next 10 weeks, 38 employees in the Transit Department challenged themselves and each other in a friendly weight loss competition. Contestants were weighed weekly and their progress was monitored and recorded by fellow program participants. The three employees demonstrating the most significant weight loss for that week were awarded gift cards of $20, $15 and $10 respectively. Some chose to pursue this endeavor alone, while others paired off or created exercise/fitness teams. Basic weight training, and aerobic exercise classes were held nightly. Beyond the Transit gym, a walking club was formed by eight employees whose nightly walking distance went from 1/4 mile to 2 miles at the conclusion of the 10 week competition.

Results Impact: Torrance Transit's "Biggest Loser" Program was a huge success! Thirty-eight employees actively participated in the health and wellness program, resulting in a total of 157.10 pounds lost by the department over the course of a 10 week period. On average, each participant lost 4.13 pounds (and most managed to keep the weight off following a six month follow-up). The program's grand prize winner, a male bus operator, lost 31.3 pounds and was awarded a 40" HDTV (which was donated by a Transit Department Manager who had won the television set via a raffle at the 2017 APTA EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia). In all, the program cost the Transit Department under $600 to coordinate and execute.

Why Submit: Torrance Transit is very proud of our employees who participated in the Biggest Loser competition. Aside from the 157.1 pounds lost by the contestants, all participants reported feeling stronger, healthier and better as a result of their efforts. Most enjoyed the team work and support that came about as a result of the competition. Surprisingly, all contestants reported that the monetary prizes as being the least motivating factor for their participation. The return on investment (of just under $600) has been significant. Almost all of the original 38 employees still regularly exercise and diet, and approximately 21 more employees have joined the walking and exercise groups that were formed.