RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Twenty five people finished RAF Mildenhall's fifth annual "Biggest Loser" challenge April 16, setting a new base record.

The competition, held here since 2005, rewards those who lose the most weight in three months. Unlike the television show the competition is based on, participants aren't eliminated as time goes by.

"We like to give people as many ways to succeed as possible," said April Burson, 100th Force Support Squadron. "It's positive enforcement."

Senior Airman Brad Ficklin, who won the men's competition by losing 49 pounds, said he entered the contest to avoid potential health problems prevalent in his family. But for him, it wasn't just a game.

"This is a lifestyle change," he said. "It's a lifetime commitment, and I've come too far to go back," he said. The Airman reduced his body fat by almost 10 percent and knocked 7.5 inches off his waist measurement.

One hundred and nine people signed up to participate, and the 25 who finished lost a combined total of more than 240 pounds. The competition officially began Jan. 8 and wrapped up April 8, Ms. Burson said.

The competition results are:
Men's first place: Senior Airman Brad Ficklin; 49 pounds lost
Men's second place: Staff Sgt. Christopher Breski, 32 pounds lost
Men's third place: Lt. Col. Thomas Svoboda, 18.4 pound lost
Women's first place: Tech. Sgt. Yolanda Julin, 26 pounds lost
Women's second place: Tech. Sgt. Tracy Strouse, 10.5 pounds lost
Women's third place: DeDe Sanders, 10.2 pounds lost
Biggest Loser Plus winner (Contestant who attended most RAF Mildenhall fitness center classes): Yolanda Scales, attended 15 classes