UVI Takes on New Weight Loss Challenge
By Ava Gumbs

SAINT THOMAS--The rush of anxiety flushed Jeanine Blyden’s face as she slipped off her sandals and stepped carefully onto the scale. She knew it: 200 pounds. Her head hung in shame, but she looked up, thankful it was not more. At 5 feet 5 inches, Blyden knew she was overweight.

She was one of 20 female students randomly selected to step up and weigh in to the University of the Virgin Islands’ fat burning challenge, called Fat Zappers. The students were not alone in their journey to their slimmer, healthier bodies. Princess-Onesha Stuard, group director, said she too was also taking on the challenge.

“I think it’s really important for the members to see a real example of what it takes to successfully lose weight, especially since I just had a baby and needed to lose a few pounds myself,” Stuart said.

In her quest to lose her “baby fat,” Stuard recognized other young women around campus having difficulty losing weight. This Nursing senior was compelled to design the first trial weight loss program at UVI for her senior assignment. Students meet for seven weeks, every Thursday, gaining tools to make positive changes for an effective weight loss plan.

Fellow Fat Zapper, Diane Thomas, said, “I also noticed the pounds piling on after having my kids, and I’m glad to be in a program that can help me maintain my weight and be healthy.”

From day one, the young ladies had to calculate their body mass index (BMI), utilizing measurements of their weight and height. “When it said I was obese on the chart, I said now I have to get to work,” Blyden said after calculating her jaw dropping BMI results.

“Many people throw around that word ‘overweight’, but when you calculate your BMI, you get a clearer picture of your true weight category,” Stuard said. Students roared in protest to just how much they would have to lose to reach ‘normal.’

“I can’t lose all that weight, you crazy,” one young lady blurted out. “I’m going to be a stick.”

Stuard calmed the wave of snarls by requesting the young ladies to document their ultimate weight, and compare it to the BMI chart. “If I reach 180 pounds, at least I won’t be obese anymore,” Blyden said.

The weight loss program leader took the group a few steps further, handing out folders filled with charts and graphs for these ladies to map their progress. A thick stack of papers clamped together, listing a point system for almost every food known to man or woman, was also included.

This stack was the heartbeat of these young women’s weight loss success. The goal was to count the food points daily of everything they ate based on the daily allotment of points designated for their weight category.

For example a breakfast consisting of pancakes (2pts), bacon (3pts), eggs (5pts) and herbal tea (2pts) would be a total of 12 points. However, at 175-199 pounds the recommended daily points range is 22-27. “It may appear like that’s not a lot of points so far, but the numbers add up,” said Stuard’s Project Advisor, Dr. Maxine Nunez.

“The goal is to reach the lower number of the daily range, not the higher, and not to go over the specific amount listed,” Stuart said. One participant questioned if she ate less grapes can she reduce the points. Nunez strongly disagreed, “No, eat what it says, that way it’s easier to count your points, and don’t forget to write it down.”

Grumbles echoed around the room, but Dr. Nunez gave everyone some good news, “Not all the food has points. A salad topped with a ‘no fat’ dressing is zero points and water too.” Stuart chimed in, “And yes, many nights I went to bed hungry because I was committed to not going over my points, and so far I have lost ten pounds.”

The hour-long session ended with a reminder from Stuart to be accountable, honest, and motivated. “The scale doesn’t lie and I’ll be here alongside you to keep you on track,” Stuard emphasized. “Plus, every week you get a new tasty recipe and progress reports on your weight loss, because we are a team.”

Seven weeks later, Blyden won top “loser” for her regimen of daily walking, eating smaller well balanced meals, cutting out carbohydrates, and drinking water all the time. “I am now down to 187 pounds, only seven pounds away from 180,” Blyden screeched with joy.

One week before the weight loss challenge came to an end, Stuard presented the project to the University of the Virgin Islands’ Community Engagement for Lifelong Learning (UVICELL) and the Sports and Fitness committee as a program that can be offered to students and the wider St. Thomas community. The Head Fat Zapper hopes her project will be a stepping stone to promoting a healthy lifestyle for all.

Blyden said the program has changed her life and the people around her, but warns newcomers, “If you’re going to try it, be honest with yourself and you’re going to get honest results.”