UCLan Students’ Union (SU) has launched a new eight week fitness programme, after receiving £800 in funding from the NHS Tackling Health Equalities grant.

The Biggest Loser project will offer 33 contestants the opportunity to get fit, lose weight and receive professional nutritional advice.

The contestants were split into three teams of 11, during a team building activity at Pendle Hill on January 22. The teams will compete each week to lose the highest percentage of weight.

Lyndsey Spiers, the Students’ Union’s Student Activities Coordinator at UCLan’s Burnley Campus, organised the Biggest Loser project with support from Health Coordinator, Sharon Doherty, and staff at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.

She believes the project, which is included in the Give It A Go programme, will give students the support and motivation needed to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“UCLan’s Biggest Losers aims to provide students with a platform to make a positive change to their lives at UCLan, and to share tips and knowledge that the students can take forward with them,” she said.

“The project lasts for eight weeks, but the aim is to make a positive impact on the whole future of these students.”

Contestants will take part in weekly boot camps held by an MTV weight loss instructor nicknamed the ‘Princess of Pain’, every Tuesday at 7pm. The project will also see them try a different exercise class every week at Sir Tom Finney Sport Centre, including Spinning, Pilates and Boxercise on Thursdays at 7pm.

Contestants attend weekly weigh-ins on Wednesdays in the Students’ Union’s meeting rooms whilst receiving advice and tips on how to maintain their diet and fitness.