The 2011 Fat to Fit Challenge ended on July 9th, and over the course of the eight-week program, members lost a collective 921 pounds — nearly half a ton. This is a solid achievement, and I thank everyone who helped make the Challenge inspirational and fun.

Slimming down is just one part of the Fat to Fit healthy living program. — Photo by Jamie Grill/Aurora

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Although the contest is over, you can still join and participate in the community. I'll continue to offer coaching advice and tips, and we will periodically introduce informal challenges to keep ourselves on track.

We've selected the three winners of the Challenge, each of whom will receive a prize, per the 2011 Weight Loss Challenge Official Contest Rules. Being a role model for the community, facing and overcoming challenges and capturing the theme of Fat to Fit were the criteria for selecting the winners. The first place winner receives $2,000; the second place winner receives $1,000 and the third-place winner receives $500.

Meet Barbara Bauer, Susan Kopczyk and Sue Wittrock, our three winners — and outstanding role models for the community. Learn more about them and how they embody the spirit of the Fat to Fit program.

Third Place: Sue Wittrock, 58, Mankato, Minn.

Sue is pre-diabetic, with a family history of the disease, and joined the Fat to Fit community this year "just wanting to lose some weight" — which she has: seven pounds since June. Despite struggling with her own challenges (she's acknowledged that she's a food addict), she's given others lots of advice and encouragement and become a role model for many in the community. 

"I love that this whole program focuses on getting healthier, not [simply] on weight loss. The program highlighted that excess weight is a symptom of unhealthy living and that it has an emotional component. During the eight weeks, we received lots to think about. Carole's guidance kept us on track, and she was not afraid to 'redirect' us when needed. Most of us want to continue with the online community and our fitness journeys," says Sue. "We have made new friends and have much more to learn."

Next: Fat to Fit's second place winner. >>