JD Biggest Loser Contest Winners

Brenda Branch (4th from right) was the top winner in the biggest loser contest. Renee Rowland (5th from right) was 2nd, Tommy Smith (center) finished 3rd and Page Smith (4th from left) was the youth winner

On March 1, the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Chamber of Commerce Wellness Committee along with Jeff Davis Hospital, Bank of Hazlehurst, and Cotton Partners of Jeff Davis, hosted a JD Biggest Loser Contest.
The Wellness Committee was formed as a result of the Community Economic Development Retreat in 2020. The 68 contestants that signed up had to weigh-in and measure March 1 and a final weigh-in was June 1. They also had to attend at least three Monday night sessions to be eligible for the prize.
Weight loss was based on percentage of weight lost and the person with the highest percentage was the winner. Nutrition and exercise programs were shared in the Monday night sessions. The Wellness Committee encouraged the participants to make small changes for long lasting results and discouraged the use of fad diets, excessive exercise, and the use of the sauna. There was a Facebook group for the participants to keep them motivated.
Jeff Davis Hospital was the presenting sponsor, Bank of Hazlehurst sponsored several Monday night sessions, Cotton Partners of Jeff Davis provided measuring tapes for the participants and sponsored several Monday night sessions.
The JD Biggest Loser was Brenda Branch. She was awarded the $500 first place prize. Renee Rowland was second winning $200, and Tommy Smith was a close third winning $150.
In the Youth Group, Page Smith was awarded $150 as first place. The Bank of Hazlehurst had an in-house competition awarding the top three winners with paid time off.