How to Calculate a Fair Weight Loss Competition

Weight-loss competitions can be a fun and healthy way to achieve weight-loss goals with co-workers, friends, or family. If you are taking part in a weight-loss competition, it is important to calculate the weight loss fairly to determine who the winner is. Calculating a weight-loss competition fairly can be achieved by following a few steps.

Begin and end the competition at the same time for everyone. When holding a weight-loss competition, it is important that all participants begin and end the challenge on the same dates. Set a specific start and end date to fairly determine the winner of the weight-loss challenge.

Use the same scale at each weigh-in. Scales can vary depending on make and model. In order to ensure accuracy when calculating a weight-loss competition, use the same scale at each weigh in. Each person should use the same scale and be wearing the same amount of clothing.

Calculate the weight loss by percentage lost, not by pounds lost. Men tend to lose pounds faster than women. (Ref. 1.) Larger individuals also tend to lose weight faster than those who have less to lose. In order to fairly calculate a weight-loss completion, base the winner on highest percentage of weight lost. The percentage of weight lost can be calculated by dividing the total amount of weight lost by the beginning weight of the individual and multiplying by 100. The person with the highest percentage of weight lost will be the winner in a fair weight-loss competition.