Tightening Their Gun Belts

"This was just great for our department. I'm so pleased with how many officers participated, not to mention how well they did," says Police Chief Wayne McCammish, who lost 37 lbs.* himself and went from pants size 44 to a 38. "Personally, now I have more energy, my diabetes numbers are great, my cholesterol numbers are wonderful, and overall I just feel better! But I also feel that as a group, we're a much stronger, healthier department now. I'd say NutriSystem is just what most people need to get them on the way to weight loss."

A Usual Suspect

But how did this whole thing get started? That answer lies with Lt. Jeffrey Pomerleau—a police officer in Augusta for nearly 15 years, and one of the thousands of NutriSystem success stories (shown second from right, front row of the group shot). Having begun the program on his own in March of 2004 at a starting weight of 262 lbs., Pomerleau lost 90 lbs.* in about a year and says he improved his health tenfold.

"I lost so much weight on NutriSystem. This definitely ranks as one of my highest achievements in life. And I knew that if I could do it, anyone could, so I was happy to inspire others in the department to discover the same success."

And discover it they did. With the help of Pomerleau as a liaison, NutriSystem sponsored the intra-department challenge, and in one short summer, fourteen of his fellow officers saw amazing results.

"I'm a guy. I have never tried any type of diet, but this one worked for me. Now I can ride a bike like I did when I was younger," says Officer Joe Burke, a 19-year force veteran who lost 23 lbs.* on the program.

"For me, it was just time to start eating responsibly," said Officer Richard DuBois. "I want to be around to watch my kids grow up. I never thought I would be able to lose weight, but I did it, and now I feel more comfortable (especially in the heat) and I have more energy to play more with my kids. It's awesome!" DuBois lost 35 lbs.* during the challenge, and went from a size 44 to a 38 waist during the 12 weeks, despite his family's local business—an ice cream shop!

Says Officer Ray Moinster, the oldest participant at 55 years old, and one of the most successful "losers" in the challenge, "My wife is an amazing cook, so eating has always been a focus. However, I really enjoyed the great foods like their Cajun Style Chicken and Cheese Ravioli. Plus, I finally learned some portion control—something I couldn't do before." Adds the former athlete and part-time high school girl's hockey team coach, who lost 42 lbs.*, "I would recommend this program without reservation. I have more energy now and can exercise again, too."

Arresting Results

During the 12-week challenge, the 14 officers were divided into two competing teams of seven, each eager to derail the other—but to no avail! All losers were winners on this program, and each participant has the results to prove it. But as if pounds lost weren't enough, these guys (and gal) made a big dent into their waistlines, too, with a whopping 73 total inches* lost around the waist for the group.

"It was crazy. I went from a size 44 to a 36 size pants. We were all handing down uniform pants and gun belts and passing them around as we kept dropping sizes," says Detective Matt Clark, who lost 35 lbs.* during the challenge.

"In the back of my head, I had actually thought about the likelihood that most of these guys would need new uniforms," admits Lt. Pomerleau, "But I didn't say anything to the Chief. I knew that wasn't in the department's annual budget!"

A good choice it turned out to be, as despite needing to chalk up a few grand for some new uniforms, now the Chief, and the entire city of Augusta, has a much healthier and happier police force in its community.

"I knew I just needed to 'stop the madness' of my eating habits," says Lt. Bill Hayward, who lost 31 lbs.* on NutriSystem. "As I approach 50, I finally realized that I needed to lose weight and eat healthier so I could look forward to a healthy retirement. Now, after NutriSystem, I'm no longer self-conscious about my weight and I feel like I have more stamina. I'm stronger."

"Despite their weights, I always knew all these guys could do their jobs before—and they did them well," notes Lt. Pomerleau. "It's just that now I don't have to worry that they'll do their job and then turn around and have a heart attack," he adds, only half kidding.

According to Shannon Crossin, Marketing Director for NutriSystem, the "before and after" difference was profound. "It was really an exciting project to be a part of. To see these guys transform right before our eyes—in both how they felt, as well as how they looked—was so rewarding for everyone here at NutriSystem. I think our photographer put it best at the 'after' photo shoot when one of the guys walked in and she said, 'Oh my gosh—you look like the son of the guy in your before photo! You've taken years off your look!'" Crossin adds, "It's just really amazing what some of these guys did in just three short months."

Still Walking The Beat

So what's next for these Maine men (and woman)? Well, aside from continuing to stay fit by pumping up their workout efforts in their on-site fitness center, all but two of them are continuing to lose weight with NutriSystem. "More than half of these guys are staying on the program and we're so pleased about that," says Christian Soltysiak, lead NutriSystem weight loss counselor for the challenge. "I'm really proud of all of them, and for those who want to lose more weight, we'll do everything we can to help them reach their ultimate goals."

But even for those who hope to lose more, the past three months this summer will stand as a shining example of just how exemplary these officers in blue can be. Perhaps best expressed by Officer Chris Shaw at the closing photo shoot when asked, How do you feel now?, he replied simply, "Well…you try going from 295 lbs. down to 251 lbs.* and then tell me how you'd feel. I feel great."

This, just before one final, parting quip from a fellow officer in the back of the bunch who hollered, "Now, can NutriSystem make donuts?"

* Results not typical
Note: All content included in this story regarding the testimony and statements made by program participants should be considered personal opinion and does not constitute any claim made by NutriSystem regarding any health or weight maintenance issue. Always consult your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.

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