D79 staffers losing weight together
About 55 Fremont Elementary District 79 employees collectively have lost more than 1,000 pounds since starting a weight-loss program in October.
The Mundelein-area district began offering an at-work Weight Watchers program as part of an employee wellness initiative. The program is fully funded by district employees through unspent Flexible Spending Account contributions.
Wellness initiatives are considered a “win-win” in the district, in that they improve employee health and lower health care costs.
Weight Watchers Meeting Leader Sandy Smith attributed the Fremont success to the amount of support members gain from their colleagues.
“We have several members who have a friendly competition going,” she said. “Some employees are reaching their goal weight.”
Technology teacher Karen Erickson said she hit a 40-pound weight-loss mark this month.
“The camaraderie keeps me going,” she said. “It has really become a lifestyle change for me.”
Fifth grade teacher Carrie Liston added, “I’ve dropped three dress sizes but what is more important is that I have so much more energy.”
Weight Watcher meetings are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.