Missouri driver, Prime take top honors in TCA Weight Loss Showdown

The participants followed the Lean-for-Life program, which is based on a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, moderate protein menu plan coupled with exercise, nutrition education, and lifestyle changes.

The Trucker News Services

5/11/2012

ALEXANDRIA, Va.  – Missourians have captured top honors in the inaugural Truckload Carriers Association’s Weight Loss Showdown.

Carl Bailey of Fair Play, Mo., was the individual winner while Prime Inc. of Springfield, Mo., won the company contest.

Managed by Lindora Clinic, a personalized weight management company, the competition brought together teams of 12 drivers and staff from 11 carriers to determine which individual and which company could achieve the greatest percentages of weight loss.

The participants followed the Lean-for-Life program, which is based on a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, moderate protein menu plan coupled with exercise, nutrition education, and lifestyle changes.

The competitors received weekly phone calls from Lindora’s coaches, who educated them on nutrition and behavioral changes, helped boost their morale, supported them through their personal challenges and recorded their weight loss.

Bailey, a professional truck driver for Hirschbach Motor lines of Medata Heights, Minn., lost 58 pounds, going from 227 to 169 pounds, equaling 26 percent of his body weight.

For his achievement, Bailey will receive $2,500 from the sponsor of the individual contest, Cline Wood Agency of Leawood, Kan.

“All of us at Cline Wood recognize how important drivers are to not only the industry but to the entire economy,” said Mike Wood, president and co-founder of Cline Wood Agency.  “Given the high percentage of them struggling with health issues, we are excited to see greater awareness of and action in this area.  We began promoting wellness for our employees two years ago and the results have been outstanding.  Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown is a great way to get the health and wellness message out and it’s a privilege to be a program sponsor.”

Prime lost a total of 353 pounds, going from 2,309 to 1,956.  This represented a 15 percent drop in the team’s collective weight.

As the top company, Prime will receive StayFit Fitness room equipment donated by TravelCenters of America/Petro Stopping Centers.  Valued at $13,000, the package includes the following commercial grade items:  A cable motion dual pulley strength frame rack, an integrity elliptical cross trainer, and a recumbent stationary bike.  TA/Petro will also provide restaurant and food gift cards or certificates valued at $3,000.

Overall, the 2012 competitors shed 3,022 pounds, or 10 percent of their collective body weight.  Also, 90% of the participants managed to complete the program.  According to Lindora Clinic, this figure is higher than the completion rates for similar initiatives, which are usually about 80 percent.

“The fact that so many competitors made it to the end and achieved so much proves our industry is ready to stop talking and start acting when it comes to health and wellness,” said Chris Burruss, president of TCA.  “My thanks and congratulations go out to all of them.”

TCA will recognize the achievements of the Showdown’s winners at its 2012 Safety & Security Division annual meeting May 20-22 in Norman, Okla.

To learn more about the competition and its participants, visit www.truckingsweightlossshowdown.com.

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