Female students at JSU compete in weight loss program

Satara Patrick
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer

Twenty-five female Jackson State University students have pledged to DO IT.

DO IT stands for Decrease Obesity with Induce Training. The students that were chosen as contestants have committed to adapting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle by making healthier choices.

The Walter Payton Wellness and Recreation Center and Regional Office on Women’s Health, are the sponsors of the program which chose the 25 students out of approximately 120 applicants wishing to compete in the weight loss program.

“We are doing something for the students in order to get the campus healthy,” said Rachel Cowan, Director of the Walter Payton Center and activist in the DO IT program coordinator.

The contestants in the program have collectively lost 254 pounds in six weeks.

“This program is very beneficial, it gets me going in the morning as a boost of energy and I know the program is working, I see results such as waking up sore almost every morning but overall it’s a very good program, I love it,” said Khadijah Karriem, a senior biology/pre-med major from Houston, Texas and DO IT contestant.

Karriem, who started the program weighing in at 288 pounds is now 80 pounds lighter, but she is not stopping there.

“I would like to be a spokesperson for weight loss by actually losing weight the real way instead of using an aid to help me,” said Karriem.  “It makes me feel better about myself when people notice my weight loss, because they are noticing me and if they are that means I can help  the people who are curious about weight loss.”

Karriem plans to continue working hard in order to reach her goal, even after the program is over.

“I’ve learned a lot through this program as well as reading different health related books about weight loss that were written by doctors and by talking more with trainers. I’ve gotten a whole new insight about weight loss because it’s more to weight lost than just eliminating fast food restaurants and dieting,” said Karriem.

All contestants will participate in a finale that will be held during the Sweetness 5K Run/Walk/Ride  and 1 Mile Fun Run on March 31st. The winner of the program will receive a makeover, photo shoot and new items for their wardrobe.

The program will air on JSUTV 23 this month and Cowan hopes to get the program shown on BET (Black Entertainment Television).