SLIM DOWN WINNER

HARLINGEN — The group of 11 women and one man who set out to lose weight and spread awareness of obesity finished their six-month endeavor Saturday night.

Roxanne Ramirez, 28, mother of three who is studying culinary arts at Texas State Technical College, won the Valley Morning Star’s Slim Down Challenge, dropping 39.4 pounds, 17.3 percent of her body weight. Her achievement was announced at a reception for the contestants at A Catered Affair on Jackson Street.

In total, the contestants lost 254 pounds and almost 187 inches off their collective waistlines.

“We as a group have learned so much,” said contestant Dee Bautista, who dropped almost 18 pounds. “And everyone for our circles of influence have learned so much.”

That was the idea behind the program, said event organizer and the Star’s advertising director Richard Guerrero, spreading awareness about obesity.

Guerrero cited statistics about obesity in Texas, such as a demographer’s prediction that 15 million Texas adults will be obese by 2040.

“This was just our first in trying to raise awareness,” Guerrero pledged.

The Valley Morning Star hopes to form another group of Slim Down challengers next year, Guerrero said, with the hopes of teaming up with other local entities.

In June, the city of Harlingen issued a proclamation to promote healthy lifestyles in accordance with the Slim Down Challenge.

“I’d like to thank the local businesses that helped out and the city of Harlingen for everything they’ve done,” Guerrero said.