4 ‘losers’ shed almost a 100kg in RAK to bag Dh14,000 prize
RAS AL KHAIMAH — A Syrian national lost a whopping 35.5kg in 10 weeks as part of a challenge that was launched by a hospital in Ras Al Khaimah. Ghazwan Abdulilah Dakak took home Dh5,000 for being the ‘biggest loser’ in the male category during the challenge launched by the RAK Hospital.
In the female category, Iraqi Sura Falih Azziz bagged the cash prize as she shed an impressive 19kg.
Azziz said she was encouraged by her husband to register for the contest. “The journey from 101kg to 82kg has been a challenge in itself and now that I know I can do it, I will continue to follow the regime until I lose another 20kg. I’ve given up all sources of sugars except those derived from fruits and simply focus on following a diet that will do good to both my body and mind. For exercise, I did Zumba every day.”
The Biggest Loser Challenge, which began on February 17, saw hundreds of contestants shed more than a few kilos for not just winning the cash prize but also to adopt a ‘life-friendly’ diet and fitness regime. Two runners-up in the male and female categories — both Emiratis — received Dh2,000 each. Salem Khamis Rashed, 18, lost 28kg, while Hiba Khalifa Fath Elrahman Said lost 15kg.
Dakak, 44, said: “My main aim of entering this challenge was to improve my health and my family is very happy with this change in me. I intend to continue with the healthy lifestyle, since I still have 25kg to lose before I reach my ideal weight. At the beginning of the challenge I weighed 146kg,
Anyone who loses such massive amount of weight will not want to go back to the beginning so I hope that all participants continue with the weight loss programme.” Ruba El-Hourani, clinical dietician, RAK Hospital
and compared to that, today I feel far more active, lighter and fitter. I’m able to work out better as well, finding time to walk at least an hour-and-a-half every day and swimming four times a week.”
Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO of Arabian Healthcare Group and executive director at RAK Hospital, added: “I want to congratulate not just the winners for this huge feat, but every single person who participated in the challenge. Essentially, every kilo lost is a winning moment for them since it’s one more step towards a healthier body and happier mind.”
Ruba El-Hourani, clinical dietician at RAK Hospital, said: “We were quite encouraged to see that many people had shown a marked improvement in adopting a healthier lifestyle.
“However, the motive behind this 10-week task was more than weight loss. We wanted to ensure that people practically experience for themselves what it feels to lead a healthier life and that it is not as difficult as it is made out to be.”
I’ve given up all sources of sugars except those derived from fruits and simply focus on following a diet that will do good to both my body and mind.” Sura Falih Azziz, Iraqi national