600 lbs lost in UPHAT program
Special to the Flash
“I want to be an inspiration for my daughter and people like me,” said Patricia Arbuthnot.
Barbara Hill stated: “If you are committed the program will work for you,” and Kechandra Reynolds added: “I thank you for pushing me when my body was saying stop.”
All three individuals are talking about their participation in UPHAT, an 8 to12 week physical fitness and nutrition system offered by the Walter Payton Center at Jackson State University to address obesity, hypertension, diabetes and other health related issues that plague Mississippians.
During the fall 2011 UPHAT program, the entire group of 46 participants lost a total combined weight of 600 lbs. The overall winner, Arbuthnot, lost 31pounds, 20 total inches and a 23 percent body fat. Reynolds, the second biggest loser, lost 31 pounds, 19 total inches and a 17 percent body fat percentage. Mark Jenkins, the third place winner, lost 30 pounds, 16 total inches and a 8 pecent body fat.
Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness Quanikki Martin, said: “UPHAT’s focus is to introduce individuals to a comprehensive fitness and lifestyle system that transforms how people view diet and exercise so that they can begin to break the cycles of poor health and pharmaceutical dependency that too many Americans have conveniently adapted.”
This weight loss program is open to the public as well as Jackson State faculty and staff, and will start again in January 2012. The program is limited to 40 persons and only first time UPHAT participants can sign up. The cost is $100.
Orientation for UPHAT is Jan. 13, 2012 from 5-30-7 p.m. and will run through March 7, 2012 In addition to sessions three days a week at 6-7am or at 5:30-6:30 p.m., healthy food coaching will be presented throughout the entire program.
For additional information, contact Quanikki Martin at 601-979-1559 or quanikki.a.martin@jusms.edu or call the Payton Center 601-979-1368.
