At our Medical Weight Loss Clinic locations, we know it takes support to stick to a healthy program. And we found the perfect example of that kind of camaraderie among two of our patients.
Jason Kaleta and Chris Cooper are competing in a weight loss challenge, bolstered by the community.
As local business owners and friends in the tight-knit Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. community, Chris Cooper of Zeppelin Cleaning Services and Jason Kaleta of Hill Mortgage recently announced that they are competing in a friendly weight loss challenge to see who can drop the most weight during the month of August. Their goal is to lose 20 pounds in one month.
Cooper and Kaleta have documented this friendly competition on Facebook and are sharing their weigh-ins without reservation. Kaleta’s starting weight is 223 pounds and Cooper’s starting weight is 211.5 pounds. Both business owners admitted they’re competitive by nature and in the past have worked out together – so this seemed like a natural fit.
“Chris and I have come up with an idea to challenge ourselves to lose some weight and motivate each other along the way,” said Kaleta. “After one week, I feel very motivated and lucky to be doing this with such a good friend! We hope that the videos we post will inspire more people to jump on the weight loss train!”
There’s a local charity tie-in, too. For every pound Cooper loses, he will contribute $20 to Detroit Dog Rescue. For every pound Kaleta loses, he will contribute $20 to Kids on the Go. The charities were suggested by Cooper, as he has worked with each before and knows the founders personally. The competitors also asked that their Facebook fans consider commenting on who they predict will win. And each of those comments earns one of the non-profit recipients an additional $5.
“We're extremely excited about this opportunity with Medical Weight Loss Clinic,” said Cooper. “I'm a huge advocate for the program and was doing really well with it before COVID-19 and am so glad to be back on the program. The staff at the Grosse Pointe Woods location is spectacular. One week in, I feel so much better and have already dropped 8 pounds from where I was.”
Medical Weight Loss Clinic Owner David Paull was so inspired by their efforts, he has offered to match a donation to each of their charities – up to $240 each – by the end of August.
"Medical Weight Loss Clinic is proud to support our patient’s efforts to better their health and positively impact the community while doing so," said Paull.
Cooper and Kaleta were appreciative of this offer. They mentioned that additional members of the community have reached out to match their own donations to this effort, too.
“What started as a fun little challenge has blossomed into something very special,” he said. “Both charities have reached out and expressed their sincere appreciation for our help in a time where fundraising has been very challenging.”
Now is the ideal time to get healthy, Cooper added. We’re all more aware of our health as we navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everyone is talking about waiting for a vaccine,” he said. “This is something you can do in the meantime.”
If you’re ready to work toward a healthier life, we’re here to help. Learn more about Medical Weight Loss Clinic, our community connections, or book your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.
