104 policemen lose 996 pounds in weight-loss program

Losers and proud of it.

A total of 104 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) lost a combined 996 pounds, 250 inches in waist measurement and 160 inches in hip circumference after an intensive three-month weight-loss program.

Ten of the new lean-looking PNP were presented to the media yesterday during a graduation ceremony held at the PNP Multipurpose Center inside Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Former PNP chief Edgar Aglipay embarked on a personal health advocacy campaign to inculcate among policemen the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise.

Most of the participants in the program used to have potbellies but significantly slimmed down during the three-month program, which was done in cooperation with Abbott’s Reduce Weight Program. The diet program included a doctor-prescribed regimen of diet and exercise.

The program strictly followed a consistent regimen of healthy diet and physical activity supported by medical treatment. Participants underwent a bi-weekly, one-hour class on aerobic marathon and Taebo.

In support of the physical activities, policemen were also given lectures on how to control eating habits by sticking to a low-calorie diet.

Chief Superintendent Adolfo Avenido, PNP Health Service chief, said the problem of obesity in the police force needs to be addressed to make our policemen more efficient in the performance of their duties.

"Slim is in. Not only can I enjoy new and fashionable clothes, now my husband has his eyes fixed on me," said Inspector Michelle Orcullo, who lost 33 pounds in three months.

Senior Police Officer 2 Diosdado Ranada of the PNP Traffic Management Group said he could perform his job better — especially chasing traffic violators — after losing some 38 pounds and some eight inches off his waistline.

Police Officer 1 Arlene Crisol said, "My new look has improved other aspects about me. It’s like being given a renewed chance to serve effectively in the police force."

Edwin Feist, general manager of Abbott Laboratories, said the PNP weight reduction and management anti-obesity campaign highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle was a good kickoff for a series of projects aimed at a fat-free Philippines.

"With practiced vigilance, we can move further in realizing the dream of the Philippines as an obesity-free country," Feist said.

Meanwhile, the PNP received some P1-million worth of Godiva Safe Sea Sunblock to protect some 135 PNP recruits and training instructors in Cebu from suspected jellyfish stings while undergoing waterborne training exercises.

The trainees along with their instructors were treated at the Regional Health Service medical facility after contracting a waterborne disease from jellyfish stings.