Health Quest 2010 wrapped up in November. The eight-month public weight loss initiative — a partnership between Magnolia magazine and the Rome-Floyd County YMCA — culminated with Doug Walker being named the No. 1 “loser,” shedding 72.8 pounds for a total percentage of body weight loss of 24.8 percent.

Close on his heels was Angie Hicks, who lost 45 pounds for 22.7 percent. Third place went to Tara Nolan and her 39-pound loss for 16.1 percent.

The top three winners received prizes of a one-year YMCA membership and one-year subscription to the Rome News-Tribune, six-month membership and subscription, and three-month membership and subscription, respectively.

The top 10 Health Questers are showcased in this edition of Magnolia.

The others making the list include Sara Gentry, Donatella Gentry, Sue Wilson, Amanda DeWitt, Norma Williams, Debby Parker and Ellen Garrard.

Some have made more drastic transformations since they aimed for higher weight loss. Others simply wanted to lose 20 pounds and get healthier. Some still want to lose more.

Overall the Health Quest group lost 1,002 pounds since the Feb. 20 kickoff. The top 10 contributed a loss of 308 pounds of that total.

What’s amazing about that is that while we had about 100 people start the journey, that half-ton was lost mostly by about a third of those who signed up.

The YMCA was our Health Quest hub, overseeing the weekly weigh-ins and organizing and hosting the monthly meetings and other events.

We simply couldn’t have done it without Membership Director Amy Patterson and Wellness Director Lange House and the Y staff, who not only weighed in folks but also were our main cheerleaders.

The good news is the YMCA and the Rome News-Tribune will be partnering to bring Health Quest 2011 to our community. More to come on that ...

So take a look at our top 10 Health Questers and join us in celebrating their successes and their journey to health.