WHEN the four challengers in the Seven Seas Wellness Challenge hit the stage at the Jewel Paradise Cove in Runaway Bay, St Ann, on Saturday, June 27, they were transformed individuals. And the applause from the audience indicated just how much of a difference the 10-week wellness challenge made.

Not only had Wayne Hylton, Dwaymian Brissette, Donna-Marie Phipps and Carol-Jean Haslam managed to lose weight, but they also achieved varying health objectives such as lowering of cholesterol and hypertension.

On the big reveal night, the challengers received several awards for their hard work and dedication in the inaugural wellness challenge.

Brissette received the prize for best meal preparation with Bumble Bee. He also won the Lifespan award for organisation and timeliness. Hylton won the sales pitch award and the award for physical condition. The award for weight loss and fat reduction went to Phipps, who lost 20 pounds. While Haslam won the prize for endurance.

Organisers of the event said it was a success and that they are already receiving requests for a second season of the wellness programme.

“It represents what we stand for,” Richard Barrow, CEO of Massy Distribution Limited, said.

He pointed out that it was more than just physical exercise, but rather overall well-being. Barrow said the show resonated well with Jamaica and insisted that wellness should be the main priority of Jamaicans.

Trainer Kurt Dunn, who took the four challengers through the 10-week programme, was extremely pleased with the outcome.

“I am really proud, extremely proud,” he stated, adding that he saw significant transformation in the participants.

And what would the challenge have been if the participants didn’t learn life lessons to take them forward.

“I learnt that no matter what comes across the screen, keep focused and you will achieve your goals,” Haslam said.

Her goal was to lower her cholesterol and to lose weight. She lost 10 pounds and, according to her, her cholesterol level moved from a red zone to an acceptable rate.

Phipps, who lost five pounds within the first two weeks of the competition, lost 20 pounds over the 10 weeks. Her lesson: “Read the labels. Don’t eat absentmindedly. Pay attention to what you eat,” she said.

Brissette, who lost 14 1/2 pounds, said the challenge has taught him to develop a positive attitude, enthusiasm and an active listening skill.

“A healthier person is a wealthier person,” Brissette said.

And Hylton walked away from the competition, having lost five pounds, with a renewed sense of how powerful it is to be a role model for health.