Auburndale Operations Center is full of some of the biggest "losers" in the company, but they're happy to celebrate this title.

Thirty-four employees participated in a 12-week weight-loss competition between Auburndale and East Operations Center to see who could lose the most weight. In total, the group of participants lost more than 438 pounds.

So, how did this idea come about? It all started with a television show popular in John Wolfe's household. "My wife and children are big fans of the TV show 'The Biggest Loser.' My wife mentioned that there was a 'Biggest Loser' competition starting at her work, so I mentioned this to Cindy Martin, Manager of East Operations Center, and several others, who thought it would be a good idea," said Wolfe, who serves as manager of the Auburndale Operations Center. "And, with it being the first of the year, many people had resolved to lose weight after New Year's."

If you're not familiar with the concept of the show, contestants vie for the title of "Biggest Loser" to see who can lose the most weight for the chance to win a cash prize and, more importantly, a new lease on life. For the Auburndale/East competition, the prize was a luncheon supplied by Wolfe, Martin and Crawford Owens, Manager, East Operations Center. Employees also paid an entry fee for weekly and end-of-program prizes to be purchased by the total collected.

No specific weight loss program was required for employees — each participant chose the diet or weight-loss method he or she preferred. Employees weighed in on a weekly basis to track their progress.

In the end, Auburndale won the competition, with participating employees losing 271.4 pounds, or 5.72 percent of their starting weight. East wasn't far behind, though, losing 166.8 pounds, or 5.44 percent of their starting weight.

The individual winner of the competition was Tom Murphy, Team Leader - Gas Distribution (Auburndale), who lost more than 40 pounds. In the beginning, Murphy didn't intend to participate, but his managers coaxed him into it. "I thought 12 weeks would be a piece of cake, so I figured I would a least try it. Then the pounds started to come off and the better I felt," said Murphy. "I challenged myself to be at 200 pounds or less by the end of the 12 weeks. I've lost 40 pounds and I'm still going. I feel great! I'm an old man and it did my heart good to beat those youngsters…not to mention the expression on my doctor's face when I visited her after the competition was over."

For Engineer II Ramona Butler (Auburndale), the weight loss challenge was an opportunity to get in shape for a series of running competitions. "I joined the weight-loss competition to monitor my weight as I prepared for the Triple Crown. I got a great sense of accomplishment and a healthier body in the end. I still work out and look forward to the maintenance program over the summer." Butler made the top 10 of the "Biggest Loser" competition by losing 7.91 percent of her starting weight.

The motivation for change came for Darryl Evans, Team Leader – Network Dispatch & Restoration (East), after seeing a photo of himself at the Orange Bowl. "I wasn't happy with what I looked like — I looked very heavy," Evans said. In addition to how he looked, he was suffering from constant heartburn and sore ankles, which he attributed to the extra weight. So, with the contest starting at work, and a decision by his wife to join him in the weight-loss effort, Evans began the program. Evans' weight loss program involved moderation in eating and exercise.

"My wife and I counted calories and we began walking every day. The competition at work kept me motivated, along with the help of our team 'coach' Jerry Wayne Cole, a retiree who would e-mail us regularly and tell us to keep up the good work," said Evans.

He began to look forward to the regular exercise and, in the end, lost 24 pounds. He continues to watch his weight and exercise regularly. And, he's glad to report that the heartburn is gone and his ankles are pain-free.

To help employees at Auburndale and East keep up the good work, a maintenance program will be introduced this summer.

E.ON U.S. offers a variety of wellness programs to encourage and promote healthy lifestyles among its employees and their families. Visit the company's wellness site for more information on the fitness incentive program, smoking cessation program, health fairs and many other health-related offerings.