Residents in the UAE have a chance to turn their weight loss journey into cash rewards as the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge (RBWLC) returns for its fifth edition. The 12-week challenge, running from February 21 to May 22, offers participants the opportunity to earn AED 300 per kilogram of weight lost in the physical category.
According to a Khaleej Times report, free registration is now open for individuals eager to join, with this year’s challenge introducing a new family category to encourage households to adopt a healthier lifestyle together.
How does it work?
Participants can choose between two main categories:
- Physical Category: The top male and female winners will receive AED 300, AED 200, and AED 100 per kilogram lost.
- Virtual Category: Instead of cash, participants can win staycations, health packages, dining vouchers, and gym memberships.
For those opting for the physical category, weight check-ins must be done at RAK Hospital at both the start and end of the competition. In contrast, virtual participants can complete their weigh-ins at local clinics.
A challenge for all
The new family category allows groups of at least three members—whether parents, children, or extended relatives—to compete. The family with the highest average weight loss will be awarded lifestyle vouchers, with additional prizes set aside for couples.
There’s also a corporate team challenge, where the average weight loss of the top 10 employees determines the winning team, while schools can participate in a special category rewarding staff teams and students with the lowest average BMI.
Tackling obesity in the UAE
According to RAK Hospital, 40% of adults and children in the UAE struggle with obesity, contributing to rising cases of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The challenge aims to promote healthier living while rewarding participants for their efforts.
“RBWLC has drawn global interest, with participants from different countries keen to join,” said Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital. “We’re already exploring ways to expand the challenge to reach a wider audience.”
Previous winners
Last year, over 18,000 participants joined the challenge, with a total of AED 40,000 in cash prizes distributed. One participant, a 31-year-old expat, lost more than 30kg and took home AED 9,000.
Register here.
