Dubai's biggest loser gets to be the biggest winner

DUBAI // Triumphant grins and thumbs-up signs abounded as contestants in the Your Weight in Gold challenge stood on the scales for their final weigh-ins yesterday.
Most had lost between 3 and 5 kilograms since the Dubai Municipality weight-loss campaign began on July 19, but some - the biggest losers - had dropped as much as 22kg.
The Madan family, who drove from Abu Dhabi, were one of the many who committed to an exercise and diet plan.
"I like to challenge myself and need to for my overall health," said Akhil Madan, 26, a bank officer in Abu Dhabi, who dropped 3kg to 131kg by taking daily 10km walks along the Corniche. "Less carbs and rice, more fruits is what I need to continue eating. The gold was an added catalyst, an added benefit."
The campaign rewards contestants who lose more than 2kg in weight. Those who lose 2kg to 5kg win a gram of gold per kilo lost; between 5kg to 10kg win two grams per kilo; and those who lose more than 10kg win 3 grams per kilo.
Mr Madan, eligible for 3 grams of gold, was understandably happy, but so too were his parents, even though they missed the qualifying target of 2kg.
"I still applaud the programme because it is a trendsetter and it will have a long lasting impact on people's overall health," said Mr Madan's father, Jugal, an insurance manager. "It was worth driving from Abu Dhabi to see how committed people were."
Mothers pushing strollers were among the groups gathered at a room outside the entrance of Al Barsha park, where some of the weigh-ins were taking place. In Zabeel and Safa parks, more than 100 people registered within the first hour. The weigh-ins run from 5pm to 9pm and end Tuesday night.
"I was so surprised with two men who lost a lot - one lost 22kg and the other 18kg," said Mona Ossama of Professionals Regulatory Affairs, who helped participants weigh-in.
"Some women gained weight but everyone said they would continue with the effort."
Participants were as young as 10-year-old Utsav Paudel, who dropped 3kg to 41kg.
"He did not need to lose weight but the rest of the family did so he joined in," said his father, Rabindra Paudel, a Nepali computer engineer who lost 6kg. "The gold was a good motivator but now we want to stay fit. We discuss what to eat and I'm hoping it will become a way of life."
The family shed a total of 17kg and planned to celebrate by indulging in pizza and ice cream - treats that had been off limits for more than a month.
Participation cut across class divisions with labourers, maids, businessmen and schoolchildren queuing up.
"Socially it's a great initiative because it made people from different nationalities and sections get together with a common objective," said Ezzat Ragab, 46, a Canadian chief executive of an engineering company. Casting off 4kg, he now weighs 79kg and hopes to lose a couple of kilograms more to stay healthy.
"I feel more energetic, I can play more with my kids, I have seen the benefits of sticking to a healthy way of life," said Mr Ragab. "The gold is just a trigger and a great idea to promote this. It has had a great impact on people."
There were some disappointed faces such as Ukranian citizens Svetlana and her mother Hannah when their phone numbers were not found in the registration list.
"We are not in the system although we have registered and I have sent several emails," said Svetlana, a new mother who preferred not to disclose her weight, but said her mother had lost 7kg.
"We have been told they will check the system and let us know."
The municipality plans to hold an awards ceremony for all the successful contestants. The three biggest losers will be entered into a draw for a chance to receive a gold coin worth Dh20,000.
 
rtalwar@thenational.ae