Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – Residents in the UAE now have the chance to turn their weight loss journey into cash as the highly anticipated RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge (RBWLC) returns for its fifth edition.
Running from February 21 to May 22, the 12-week challenge offers participants the opportunity to win up to Dh300 per kilogramme lost.
Organised by RAK Hospital, the initiative aims to promote healthy living and combat obesity in the UAE.
With nearly 40 per cent of adults and children in the country affected by obesity, the challenge seeks to encourage weight loss while addressing related chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
New Family Category Introduced
This year’s competition introduces a new ‘family category,’ encouraging groups of at least three relatives—parents, children, or extended family members—to participate together.
Families can sign up for either the physical or virtual challenge, with the group achieving the highest average weight loss winning lifestyle vouchers. Separate prizes will also be awarded to couples.
How It Works
Participants can register for free, choosing between the physical and virtual categories. In the physical category, weight checks must be conducted at RAK Hospital at both the start and end of the competition. The virtual category allows weigh-ins to be done at local clinics.
The top male and female winners in the physical category will be awarded cash prizes of Dh300, Dh200, and Dh100 per kilogramme lost.
Meanwhile, those in the virtual category stand a chance to win staycations, health packages, dining vouchers, and gym memberships.
Corporate and School Challenges
RBWLC 2024 also features a corporate team challenge, where the top 10 employees with the highest average weight loss will determine the winning company.
Additionally, schools are encouraged to participate through a staff competition and a separate initiative that recognises the school with the lowest average BMI among its students.
Last year’s competition saw over 18,000 participants, with a total of Dh40,000 in cash prizes awarded. A 31-year-old expatriate lost over 30kg and walked away with Dh9,000 in winnings.
A Growing Global Appeal
Dr Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, highlighted the growing popularity of the challenge beyond the UAE.
“Our initiative has gained significant attention, not only within the UAE but globally, with participants from various countries expressing interest in joining the challenge. Plans are already underway to explore how we can expand the challenge to reach a wider audience,” he stated.
As obesity remains a pressing public health concern, initiatives like the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge offer residents a motivating platform to adopt healthier lifestyles while being rewarded for their efforts.
Registration for the challenge is now open, offering UAE residents an exciting opportunity to achieve their fitness goals and win attractive prizes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members