Pakistani National Sheds 30.2 Kgs, Claims Victory in RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2024
Indian expatriates claim all three top spots in the Physical category Female
RAK College of Dental Sciences wins the ‘Corporate Champions Trophy’
The Ideal English School emerges victorious in both the School Categories.
Contestants observed an average weight-loss of 9 Kgs
March 6, 2024; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the winners of the highly anticipated RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2024 were unveiled today. Hosted by RAK Hospital as part of its annual CSR initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention Ras Al Khaimah, the contest motivated, educated, and guided participants on their transformative weight loss journey, culminating in a celebration of their achievements. The 4th edition of this 12-week nationwide campaign saw an impressive participation of 18,000 participants from across the UAE, with over half hailing from Ras Al Khaimah.
The awards ceremony held at RAK Hospital honored a total of 24 individual winners, one corporate champion, and two school champions (Teacher and Staff category, and Children BMI). On average, each participant shed 9 kgs, marking a significant milestone in their journey to improved health and well-being.
Cash prizes awaited the top 3 winners in both the Male and Female physical categories, while winners in the virtual category, as well as percentage weight-loss champions, received luxurious 5-star staycations, gym memberships, Swiss executive health check and Genetic Testing vouchers, and other attractive prizes.
Mr. Khalid Abdulla Mohammed AlShehhi, Director of the Representative Office, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Ras Al Khaimah, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, adding to the grandeur of the ceremony.
Anwer Ali, a 31-year old Pakistani national, emerged victorious in the Physical Category Male, clinching AED 9,000 after losing 30.2 kgs. Indian national Akbar Shahid and Egyptian expatriate Haitham Elsafy Mohamed Elkady secured the 2nd and 3rd positions, shedding 22.6 and 21.1 kgs, respectively, and were awarded AED 4,400 and AED 2,100 in cash.
In the Physical Category Female, Muhsina Kalisam, a Dubai resident and Indian expatriate, claimed the top spot by shedding 23.3 kgs, winning AED 6,900. The 2nd and 3rd runners-up, Indian nationals Shahana Roksana Yazeer and Amila Abbas Mangattu, received AED 3,800 and AED 1,800 for dropping 19.4 and 18.3 kgs, respectively.
Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, congratulated the winners during the ceremony, stating, “Congratulations to all the winners of the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2024. Your dedication and commitment to improving your health have been truly inspiring. Your achievements not only reflect your personal triumph but also serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and healthy lifestyle choices. We at RAK Hospital are immensely proud to have been part of your journey, and we remain committed to supporting our community in their pursuit of better health and wellness.”
Adding further, Dr Siddiqui stated, “This year, we have also introduced a new category involving schools, through which we aim to instill the importance of good health from an early age, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and understanding of leading healthy lifestyles. Through such initiatives, we strive to create a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.”
The Corporate Team Challenge Category witnessed RAK College of Dental Sciences emerge as the champions. In the Schools Categories, The Ideal English School excelled, securing victory in both the School Staff and Child BMI Categories.
The 12-week challenge was conducted from December 16, 2023, to March 3, 2024. Participants’ weights and BMI were recorded at the beginning of the challenge, with final weigh-ins conducted on March 2nd and 3rd, 2024, at RAK Hospital or local clinics.
This year’s edition was the largest and most inclusive to date, marking the inclusion of school children, revealing that 72% of the registered in this category were overweight. The heaviest child weighed in at 178 Kgs, showcasing the initiative’s dedication to promoting health and wellness from an early age. In its fourth edition, the challenge has become a phenomenal success, positioning itself as the country’s foremost and potentially the world’s largest competition focused on weight-loss. With a mission to raise awareness on the obesity epidemic, related complications, and guide individuals on their weight-loss journey, the challenge has transcended its local impact to achieve global significance.
Moreover, the challenge attracted a diverse group of participants, with 68% being male and 32% female. Notably, 84% of participants were below 40 years old with 85% of registered individuals falling into the overweight or obese category, emphasizing the challenge’s relevance in addressing critical health concerns.
The challenge received support from esteemed sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Abu Dhabi International Medical Services (ADI), Silver Sponsor Indus Health Plus, and Bronze Sponsors Rixos, Fitness Time, and The One maintenance and cleaning.
For further details, please visit, https://www.rakweightlosschallenge.com
Awardees List: RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2024
Physical Category (Male)
| Rank | Name | First Weight(kg) | Last Weight(kg) | Weight lost(kg) | Amount (AED) Award | Emirates |
| 1st | Anwer Ali (Pakistan) | 120.2 | 90 | 30.2 | 9000 | RAK |
| 2nd | Akbar Shahid (India) | 112.2 | 89.6 | 22.6 | 4400 | RAK |
| 3rd | Haitham Elsafy Mohamed Elkady (Egypt) | 96 | 74.9 | 21.1 | 2100 | RAK |
Physical Category (Female)
| Rank | Name | First Weight(kg) | Last Weight(kg) | Weight lost(kg) | Amount (AED) | Emirates |
| 1st | Muhsina Kalisam (Indian) | 94.3 | 71 | 23.3 | 6900 | Dubai |
| 2nd | Shahana Roksana Yazeer (Indian) | 71.7 | 52.3 | 19.4 | 3800 | Dubai |
| 3rd | Amila Abbas Mangattu (Indian) | 99 | 80.7 | 18.3 | 1800 | Sharjah |
Virtual Category (Male)
| Rank | Name | First Weight(kg) | Last Weight(kg) | Weight lost(kg) | Emirates |
| 1st | Ferdaus Nalladaroo | 117 | 88 | 29 | Abu Dhabi |
| 2nd | Thani Mohamed Alghafry | 98.5 | 73 | 25.5 | Dubai |
| 3rd | Mohd Ilyas | 100.5 | 82.1 | 18.4 | Sharjah |
Virtual Category (Female)
| Rank | Name | First Weight(kg) | Last Weight(kg) | Weight lost(kg) | Emirates | |
| 1st | Vasavi Naga Divya Sanga | 92.2 | 82 | 10.2 | Abu Dhabi | |
| 2nd | Aarti Rajesh Dhirajlal | 92.6 | 82.6 | 10 | Dubai | |
| 3rd | Jorievel Cumlat Tariao | 83.1 | 75 | 8.1 | Sharjah |
Highest Percentage of Weight Loss
| Name | Gender | First Weight(kg) | Last Weight(kg) | Weight lost(kg) | Weight Loss% | Emirates |
| Fathimath Suhara | Female | 84.4 | 66.5 | 17.9 | 21.2 | Dubai |
| R. Krishna Kumar | Male | 86.7 | 70.4 | 16.3 | 18.8 | RAK |
Corporate Weight loss Team Challenge Champion
- RAK College of Dental Sciences
Schools Weight loss Challenge
- Teachers & Staff Team Category Winner – The Ideal English School, Ras Al Khaimah
- School Child BMI Challenge (ie School with the lowest recorded BMI) – The Ideal English School, Ras Al Khaimah