Centennial Campus' 'Biggest Losers'

By Lauren Gregg, News Services

Losing weight may seem like a losing battle, but Bonnie Sluder says it really couldn't be easier. To prove it, she's shed 22 pounds since January.

Her secret is simple: she isn't waging the battle alone. Sluder is one of a group of about 40 employees who are part of the new Centennial Campus "Weight Watchers at Work" program. Collectively, the group has lost a total of 449 pounds since starting the 17-week program.

Slim Up This Summer Weight Watchers At Work Another 17-week "Weight Watchers at Work" program is scheduled to begin on May 20. Anyone interested can attend an open house meeting on Tuesday, May 13, at 11:30 a.m. in the 5th floor conference room of the Wildlife Resources Commission building on Centennial Campus. For more information, contact Sue Cross at 515-7036 or sue_cross@ncsu.edu. TOPS The NC State TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) chapter is enrolling new members during May and early June. Interested particpants can an attend a trial meeting on May 14, May 21, June 4 or June 11 in room 2301 of the Student Health Center from noon to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Lynda Hambourger at lynda_hambourger@ncsu.edu

"The motivation and support I get from others in the group is what gives me a boost and keeps me going," Sluder says. "This has been the easiest thing I've ever done to lose weight."

Having the program right on campus has been a big part of her success, Sluder adds. The group meets at lunchtime every Tuesday in the Wildlife Resources Commission Building.

"I couldn't have done this program if it was off campus," she says. "Most people want to head straight home when they leave work, not to another hour-long meeting. So this being on my lunch hour has been great because I can just fit it into my workday."

Sluder, who has worked at the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) for three years, says another positive thing about the program is that she has gotten to know others on campus.

"I had never met anyone in this group before starting the program, and I usually don't get out of my office much," she says. "So it's been great to get to meet people who are having the same struggles with their weight as I am."

Sluder says another key to her weight loss success has been learning how to make good food choices and control portions.

"You can eat anything you want, you just have to count it and plan for it," she says. "You learn how to cook healthier and how to eat out without ruining your diet."

Sluder says others have begun to notice her success.

"Friends say I have been an inspiration for them to get up and do something about their weight. In fact, a few have decided to join the Weight Watchers program themselves."

Sue Cross who organizes the "Weight Watchers at Work" program and is also a participant, says the support participants receive in the group helps them stick with the program.

Cross, who has lost 14 pounds herself, is organizing a new 17-week program that will be starting later this month.

"More than 50 percent of the folks in the current program will be returning to continue losing weight," she says. "Through this program, we have all have gained more confidence in ourselves, are feeling good and are working to keep it going with long-term lifestyle changes. So I want to keep the program going not only for myself but to see others continue to succeed."