Blasting off the flab

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People who won cash prizes for weight loss have offered tips on how to shed some kilos. But one expert worries that some could go too far.

Mother-of-two Danielle had been dying to lose weight for years, but it took a competition to see her lose 22 kilos in just 12 weeks.

Another entrant in the challenge, John, went from 100 to 73 kg.

"I think it was a midlife crisis," he said. "I turned 50, then looked in the mirror and hated what I saw and what I had become."

As a tall woman, Danielle had battled her weight since giving birth to her kids.

"The competition was the motivating factor," she said.

They both won $15,000, a holiday, and a new car each.

Peter Nicholas is boss of Cat Media, the company that owns Fat blaster and sponsors the weight loss challenge.

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In its fifth year, the Fat blaster challenge saw 60,000 Australians attempt to lose as much weight as they could in 12 weeks through a combination of exercise, supplements and diet.

Danielle's husband Don said she was the kind of person that when she put her mind to something, she would accomplish it.

"I knew if I gave her the extra support as well, she could do it," he said.

"I just wanted to make the top 20," Danielle said. "That was my goal."

"I even said to my husband I don't want a major prize, I just want to make the top 20."

Peter said they had seen as much as 40 kilograms being lost, although the differences varied.

"Anything from 8 to 40 kilograms," he said.

"It's the hardest thing in the world. Losing 10-to-12 kilos over three months is a phenomenal achievement."

John lost 27 kilos working out in the gym twice a day. It gave the father of six and grandfather of five more energy he had ever had in his life.

He was now a qualified gym instructor.

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"And in a few months I'll be a qualified personal trainer, where I can use the supplements and my program to help other people go from fat johns to fit johns," he said.

Nutrition scientist and fitness expert Joanne McMillan-Price welcomed people losing weight, but was worried weight challenges like this lead some to go overboard.

"It gives them an added incentive. As to whether the pills do any good or not is highly debatable," she said.

We asked her if losing 10 kilos in one week was dangerous.

"Yes, because there is no way you can lose 10 kilograms of fat".

"So the danger is people become so obsessed with the figure on the scale they are not just losing fat, they're losing water, they're losing muscle".

"Their body is breaking down body tissue in order to make up that deficit," Joanne said.

Danielle, however, was happy with her new self.

"I think it's change my life dramatically. I'm a different person. I'm a confident person," she said.

"I don't want to lose anymore weight, I just want to maintain a healthy lifestyle," she said.

The FatBlaster Challenge can be found online at: www.fatblasterchallenge.com.au

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