Supermarket Employees Shed Pounds

June 4, 2009 — -- For people trying to lose weight, the supermarket often offers more temptation than inspiration, but for one amazing group of Giant Foods' employees in Willow Grove, Pa., their job provided the education and support they needed to achieve some significant weight loss success.

Ninety-five employees from three stores and corporate headquarters lost 1,000 pounds in a weight loss challenge to see who could lose the most weight and body fat in 12 weeks.

Although the supermarket is full of lots of deliciously dangerous treats, Mary Anne Moylan, a Giant Foods in-store nutritionist, said it can also be a great place to start a diet.

"There are so many healthy options. You just have to look," Moylan said.

While Moylan usually provides information and support for customers -- helping shoppers aisle-by-aisle, finding foods that fit their diets, and teaching courses at the store -- she was pleased when the store employees wanted to utilize her expertise to lose weight themselves.

Moylan, who has worked in nutrition for 32 years, knows that breaking out of unhealthy routines can be difficult. That is why for the employees at Giant, it was so important to have plenty of support.

Each of the participants met with Moylan, who devised an individual plan, and walked through the market to find healthier food options, and learned to understand the food labels.

"We talked about healthier snacks, we talked about fats, we talked about carbohydrates, proteins, portion control," Moylan said.

The employees went to classes on nutrition, portion size and exercise. And at the end of each week, there were mandatory weigh-ins. At the end of 12 demanding but satisfying weeks, the results were in and Aaron Abrams, an assistant store manager, was named the Giant Loser.