Staff from Lakeford, Hennessy, Ewing, Baldwin and First National real estates are competing for the title of “Biggest Loser”, with a chance to win $600.

The “Biggest Loser” will be the person who has lost the highest percentage of their original body weight. 

The principals of each real estate have committed to contribute $5 for every kilogram lost by their staff. The accumulative money from each real estate will be given to the real estate which has lost the most kilograms overall and the staff of this real estate will then gift the money to a charity of their choice.

The real estates had their first weigh-in last week at Peak Fitness, with 24 people taking part. The final weigh-in will be on August 31, followed by a barefoot bowls event to celebrate.

First National general manager Lesley Rattenbury said the idea was discussed in a staff meeting three weeks ago, then invitations were sent out to each local real estate.

Following an internal Biggest Loser Challenge last year, Ms Rattenbury said First National wanted to build on the concept to the benefit of individuals, the community and the relationships between real estates.

Ms Rattenbury said First National encouraged fitness and wanted to create some “healthy competition” outside the real estate field.

“It’s a great initiative to give us comradery between us,” she said.

“It’s togetherness for the sake of good.

“We’ve noticed already the grape vine telling us that everyone is pounding the pavement, so everyone is taking it quite seriously.”

The first week has been “challenging”, according to Ms Rattenbury, but the involvement of fellow staff members is a great help.

The First National women have been keeping track of their own progress and each other’s by using a Fitbit application.

“It’s motivation to go that little bit extra,” she said.

Ms Rattenbury said she would love to see the challenge develop into an annual event and more local businesses become involved in the future.