People and Community

Tanzanian National loses 36.5 Kgs to secure the top spot at RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2023

DNS March 23, 2023

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Hilton Beach Resort wins the ‘Corporate Champions Trophy’ by losing 64 Kgs as a team

Contestants observed an average weight-loss of 10 Kgs

22 March 2022; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: The annual CSR initiative by RAK Hospital – the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge (RBWLC 2023) motivated, educated and guided the participants on their transformative weight loss journey to emerge as winners. The 3^rd edition of the nationwide campaign organized in association with the Ministry of Health and Prevention Ras Al Khaimah announced a total of 18 individual winners and one corporate champion at the awards ceremony held at RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah today.

Top 3 winners in both Male and Female physical categories took home cash prizes while the winners in virtual category male and female and percentage weight-loss heroes were handed over 5-star staycations, gym memberships, Swiss executive health vouchers amongst other attractive prizes.

Tanzanian National loses 36.5 Kgs to secure the top spot at RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2023

Mr. Khalid Abdulla Mohammed AlShehhi, Director of the Representative Office, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Ras Al Khaimah graced the occasion as Chief Guest at the ceremony.

42 year old Tanzanian National, Thani Mohamed Alghafry took home AED 11,100 as cash prize after losing 36.5 kgs and securing the first position in the Physical Category Male. Indian national, Masood Rasheed and Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Antash Ali secured the 2^nd and 3^rd positions after losing 34.5 and 33.9 Kgs respectively. They were awarded AED7000 and AED 3400 in cash.

Grabbing the top spot in the Physical Category Female was 39-year old Sharjah resident and Egyptian national, Noha Metwally Ali Allam who shed 24.7 Kgs to win AED 7500. The 2^nd and 3^rd runners up were Indian national, Jisheena Palakka and Syrian national, Seham Abdulrahman Al-Daher Al-Dairi who were presented AED 3600 and AED 1700 for dropping 18.3 and 17.4Kgs respectively.

Defeating 9 corporate contenders, Hilton Beach Resort won the ‘Corporate Champions Trophy’ by losing 64 Kgs as a team.

Congratulating the winners and talking at the awards ceremony, Dr Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director, RAK Hospital said, “Obesity is the biggest pandemic of our times and a risk factor leading to various chronic and deadly diseases. We think it’s our greatest responsibility to support people, understand the consequences and motivate them to get on a healthier path to build a healthy community and a healthy nation. Becoming the catalyst of change and helping the society on their transformative journey is extremely fulfilling and I am delighted we at RAK Hospital are able to do that.

Even though only a few get to win the top positions, to me everyone who has embarked on their weight-loss journey is a winner. This is only the beginning of a brighter and fitter you!”

Prof. Adrian Kennedy, Chief Wellness Officer, Arabian Wellness & Lifestyle Management, RAK Hospital’s wellness division said,” We are super excited to make such a big difference in the lives of people. Throughout the weight-loss journey of the participants our expert medical and wellness team has guided the contestants with the necessary information and education for better management of weight. Thank you all for taking charge of your health and making this edition a phenomenal success too.”

The sheer hard work and resolve of contestants paved the way to success as individuals lost an average of 10 Kgs while all awardees combined lost a whopping 576.7 Kgs to secure winning positions.

The 8-week challenge which began on 20^th January 2023 was divided into Physical, Virtual and Corporate categories. It saw participation from over 10,000 Individuals from all over the UAE, with a maximum i.e. 45% enrollments emanating from the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah. Dubai accounted for 25%, Sharjah 13%, Abu Dhabi 12% and 5% registered from other emirates.

22% of the total contestants registered under the physical category whereas nearly 8 out of 10 partakers participated in the virtual group. Additionally, 9 corporate teams had enrolled as well to win the Champions Trophy.

The weights and BMI of the participants were recorded in the beginning of the challenge and the final weighing in was conducted on 18^th and 19^th March 20223 in which several hundred participants either came to RAK Hospital or sent in their weight loss certificates attested from their local clinics.

The challenge was supported by several sponsors namely Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, Rixos Bab Al Bahar, Double Tree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island, Wawan Protein, Gorrila Gym, BM Hotels & Resorts and Radisson Ras Al Khaimah Marjan island.

Awardees List: RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2023

Physical Category (Male)

1. Thani Mohamed Alghafry, weight-loss – 36.5 Kgs

2. Masood Rasheed, weight-loss – 34.5 kgs

3. Muhammad Antash Ali – weight-loss – 33.9 Kgs

Physical Category (Female)

1. Noha Metwally Ali Allam, weight-loss – 24.7 kgs

2. Jilsheena Palakka, weight-loss- 18.3 Kgs

3. Seham Abdulrahman Al-Daher Al Dairi, weight loss-17.4 Kgs

Virtual Category (Male)

1. Afsar Ali, weight-loss – 15.8 Kgs

2. Jabir Kalodi, weight-loss- 12.1 Kgs