Local Programs

Losing to Win: The Northland Wellness Challenge

KCPT takes a look at area residents struggling to change their lifestyle in ways that take the pounds off and keep them off.  The KCPT documentary titled Losing to Win: The Northland Wellness Challenge, airs October 5th at 8 p.m.  This up-close and personal look at ordinary people responding to a weight loss challenge reveals some fresh approaches and frustrating realities.

North Kansas City city administrator Pam Windsor gives a "goodwill" basket of cookies to the Gladstone city administrator Kirk Davis.

In the film, city employees of Gladstone compete with North Kansas City employees to lose the most weight in a contest they called the "Northland Wellness Challenge."  Both cities had tried unsuccessfully to get wellness initiatives going in the past, but this challenge has the staying power to reach its planned conclusion.

Participants interviewed in the film "were doubly motivated by the team nature of the challenge," said Sandy Woodson, producer.  "Gladstone had 60 participants and NKC had 118 participants with 8 and 13 teams, respectively." The program also features advice on weight loss and healthy living from local experts.

The teams agreed that the winning city will donate prize money to charity.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield and North Kansas City Hospital provided underwriting support for the documentary.

Viewers will see the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the seven city employees featured in this one-hour film.

"It's an issue most of us face.  This local story contains more than a few revelations about what it takes to make healthy changes in your lifestyle . . . that stick." adds Woodson.