Being declared the “biggest loser” is not something people typically strive for, but when it comes to weight

loss, the accolade is one several members of the Carter County Sheriff’s Department spent the past few months competing for.
The department recently held its own version of the popular reality game show. Carter County Sheriff Chris Mathes said the idea for the program came about through talking to employees about overall health, quality of life and the rising cost of insurance. “Across the board we just wanted to encourage better health,” Mathes said.
Approximately 15 employees of the department began the program in March, but Mathes said some employees had to drop out of the program along the way due to injuries or illnesses. The final weigh-in was held on Sunday, June 1, and the winners were announced.
First place was awarded to Kristie Bowling, who is the records clerk for the Criminal Investigations Division. She lost a total of 20 pounds, lowered her body mass index or BMI by 3.7 points, lowered her overall body fat percentage by 4.9 percent and dropped 5 inches from her waist.
Sgt. J. B. Simerly, who is a shift supervisor at the Carter County Detention Center, took second place at the event. He lost a total of 13.8 pounds, lowered his BMI by 1.7 points, lowered his overall body fat percentage by 4.2 percent and dropped 2.25 inches from his waist.
Third place was awarded to Lt. L. C. Tester, who is not only a patrol officer with the civil process service division but is also a county commissioner representing the fourth district. He lost a total of 10.6 pounds, lowered his BMI by 1.5 points, lowered his overall body fat percentage by 2.6 percent and lost 1.5 inches from his waist.
A fourth award was given out for Best Effort In Making A Lifestyle Change. That award was given to Joey Hughes, who works in food services at the Carter County Detention Center. The changes which Hughes made to his diet and exercise habits not only led to weight loss, but to other health benefits as well.
“My sugar was over 300 but now it’s 90 to 125,” Hughes said. “I just feel a lot better. I have more energy. I get out of bed with no pain in the morning now.”
Many of the other participants said they also had seen benefits besides just the weight loss.
“My cholesterol and triglycerides were sky high and they came way down,” said Tester, adding that at a recent medical appointment his levels were checked and “they had dropped almost in half.”
Simerly also said he had seen improvements with his diabetes. “I’ve been able to go off my diabetic medication,” he said. “I feel a lot better. My sugar has not been up.”
Several noted that they had more energy, more endurance and generally just felt better overall.
The Sheriff’s Department partnered with Franklin Health and Fitness Center to operate the program. Participants worked with personal trainers to help them meet their fitness goals.
The four winners of the contest were awarded prizes donated by the fitness center, Jiggy Ray’s Pizza, Lone Star Steakhouse and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The plaques awarded to the winners were donated by Brummit Sports.