Weight-Loss Challenge Begins Today in USA TODAY and on USATODAY.com

Weight-Loss Challenge Begins Today in USA TODAY and on USATODAY.com

Weekly Television Episodes Appear on WE tv

MCLEAN, Va., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2006 USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge kicks off today in the newspaper and online at USATODAY.com as well as on WE tv. USA TODAY, which has held the challenge for three years, will follow six dieters over the next seven weeks and report on their progress toward meeting weight-loss goals.

The dieters spent their first weekend of the Weight-Loss Challenge at the Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah, jump-starting their weight loss. Each dieter arrived at the spa with a support person -- a family member or friend - - who helped the dieter stay on track. Additionally, dieters received guidance from weight-loss and fitness professionals throughout the challenge. After the spa visit, the participants returned home with diet and exercise programs tailored to meet their needs.

"Our dieters did remarkably well -- one lost 59 pounds in three months. With the right support, motivation and knowledge people can lose weight and improve their health," said Susan Weiss, managing editor/Life section, USA TODAY. "Readers really respond to these stories of trial and triumph and appreciate the practical information we offer them too."

Dieters had three month weight-loss goals ranging from 15 to 32 pounds. One dieter each week will be profiled. Reports will look at the challenges, successes and setbacks along the journey of each dieter.

The call-to-action requesting applicants appeared in the newspaper and on USATODAY.com on February 7. Six people who had lost weight recently in the past year, but had hit a plateau were chosen to participate in the USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge. The six dieters were selected by a panel of nutrition and fitness experts who reviewed videos submitted by dieters.

Chosen to participate in this year's USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge:

* Paulette Griffis, 38, financial management analyst from Chula Vista,
Calif. Weight-loss goal -- 20 pounds.

* Jessica Hosler, 17, high school student from Indianapolis. Weight-loss
goal -- 18 pounds.

* Toni Riley, 52, 4-H agent from Hopkinsville, Ky. Weight-loss goal -- 20
pounds.

* Jeff Rush, 50, physical education teacher from Greenwood, S.C. Weight-
loss goal -- 32 pounds.

* Gillian Shumway, 29, college student from Mexico, N.Y. Weight-loss goal
-- 22 pounds.

* Tory Thomas, 28, Social Security worker from Bedford, Texas. Weight-loss
goal -- 15 pounds.

The dieters spent their last weekend together at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in Tucson, Ariz., where they weighed in for the last time. The Weight-Loss Challenge will appear in the newspaper and online every Monday through July 31. On the web, go to dietchallenge.usatoday.com for more information about the dieters, great recipes from their eating plans and for the tools to start your own weight-loss challenge.

USA TODAY LIVE, the television division of the nation's newspaper, announced in February that it would bring the USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge to television audiences via a partnership with WE tv. USA TODAY LIVE produced all eight episodes in high definition. Today's USA TODAY article introducing the six participants coincides with today's television premiere. Subsequent articles will focus on the individual participant to be profiled on the show that week. Eight weekly television episodes -- including a one-hour premiere introducing the six participants and their respective weight-loss plans, six half-hour episodes profiling each of the six participants, and a one-hour wrap-up finale announcing the weight-loss results -- begin airing on WE tv tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Check local listings for details.

"Our television partnerships are designed to bring USA TODAY's rich content to new audiences. We brought our cameras to dieters' hometowns and dieters kept video journals to track their daily ups and downs. For anyone who has attempted to lose weight, and even for those who haven't, this series is uplifting and inspiring," said Lauren Ashburn, managing editor/USA TODAY LIVE.

About WE tv

WE tv is the only cable network dedicated to helping women connect to one another and the world around them. With quality original programming including the hit series "Bridezillas," unique movie packages like "Three Men and A Chick Flick," topical specials and its public affairs initiative WE Empowers Women, the network supports women and appeals to their interests in pop culture, relationships and personal style. WE tv is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services and is currently seen in over 59 million homes.

About USA TODAY

USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper. It is published via satellite at 36 locations in the USA and four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI). Included in the USA TODAY brand are USATODAY.com, an award-winning news and information site on the Internet; USA TODAY Sports Weekly, a weekly magazine for baseball, professional football and NASCAR enthusiasts; and USA TODAY LIVE, the television arm of the USA TODAY brand that brings the spirit and quality of the newspaper to television.

Source: USA TODAY

CONTACT: Steve Anderson, Director-Communications, +1-703-854-5872,
sanderson@usatoday.com, or Heidi Henderson, Manager-Media Relations,
+1-703-854-5304, hhenderson@usatoday.com, both of USA TODAY

Web site: http://www.usatoday.com/

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