Calling veterans: Apply for the Fittest Loser Challenge

Calling all veterans. It's back to boot camp for you. We are seeking applicants for our 2017 Fittest Loser Challenge and this year we are focusing the challenge on military veterans.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 35 percent of American adults - more than 78 million - are obese. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that 78 percent of veterans are overweight or obese and nearly one out of four is a diabetic.

"This is the ninth year for the Fittest Loser competition and we wanted to do something special," said M. Eileen Brown, vice-president of marketing for the Daily Herald. "We want to honor the men and women who serve our country by focusing this year's competition on helping local vets take their health back through healthy eating and exercise."

We will select five veterans from any branch of service, who will receive 12 weeks of free instruction from a personal trainer from Push Fitness and a nutritionist. Contestants will work out three days a week at Push Fitness in Schaumburg.

Participants will also be featured in before and after photos, plus stories highlighting their progress. The Fittest Loser winner will be chosen based on percentage of weight lost. To apply, go to events.dailyherald.com/fittest-loser/.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, Jan. 9.