People register their names for the Be Fit competition at the VLCC booth on the Corniche yesterday. (Abdul Basit)
By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: The ‘Be Fit’ competition booth at National Sport Day celebrations near the Corniche offering cash prizes worth QR265,000 attracted huge crowds yesterday but many visitors were disappointed to see that there were no instant prizes on offer.
The participants have to work out for one year continuously to maintain a healthy weight as per regulations of the competition.
A large number of people, however, enrolled for the competition, which was a new attraction of Sport Day celebrations this year.
Registration is open until Saturday.
The competition is organised by the Qatar Olympic Committee, in collaboration with VLCC Slimming Beauty and Fitness Centre.
All registered participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above 30 will work on to reduce weight until the next National Sport Day.
They should undergo a lifestyle improvement through dietary modification and physical activities. No invasive method to reduce weight is permitted.
VLCC will keep a track of the participants’ weight loss progress throughout the year.
“It’s a very impressive competition, but I thought the winner will be selected instantly. But we have to work for one year,” said Mohamed Asif, an Arab youth, who registered for the competition.
“When I saw the banner I had the impression that the slimmest person among those who registered will be selected as the winner. But we have to work for it on diet and exercise for one year, which is really good for a person who really wants to lose weight,” said Abd Ali, who didn’t want to register for the competition as he is already fit and visiting health clubs.
VLCC and Qatar Olympic Committee will choose the winners on the basis of scientific parameters of healthy weight loss.
On the next National Sport Day, the first winner will be awarded a prize of QR100,000.
The runner-up will receive QR30,000 and the third spot winner will get QR20,000.
The fourth prize will be QR15,000 and each of the next 20 winners will get QR5,000.
“Many people have registered so far. It is only the first day and we hope more will come in the coming days. Participants can choose whether to join the weight lose programme with the VLCC or not. But we will keep in touch with them and follow up their progress until the next National Sport Day,” said a VLCC representative.
VLCC would help in weight loss without resorting to crash diets, medicines, hunger suppression or surgery.
Every person will be given a tailor-made programme, keeping in mind their eating habits and individual lifestyle.
The Peninsula
