Sumter-Shaw Shrinkdown ends Published March 9, 2007 By Senior Airman John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Sumter-Shaw Shrinkdown, a free 10-week weight-loss program sponsored by the Sumter YMCA, ended March 10. Approximately 135 Shaw members participated in the program, said Adrienne Brantley, 20th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron health and wellness center health education program manager. Each participant lost an average of 3 pounds. A Shaw married couple participated in the program and noticed great changes throughout the 10 weeks. Col. Charles Corpman, 20th Fighter Wing inspector general, says he has lost 19 pounds throughout the Shrinkdown by dropping his calorie intake as well as running or riding a stationary bike 50-minutes a day, five days a week. "I dropped my daily calorie intake to approximately 1,200 per day," the colonel said. "I also significantly increased my intake of fruits and vegetables as well as taking a multi vitamin each day." Colonel Corpman's weight-loss goal was 25 pounds, but he is very happy with his results nonetheless. "I have trimmed down and improved my fitness level," Colonel Corpman said. "I passed my physical training test with ease. Plus, exercising in the evening has helped me get more sleep because I'm a chronic insomniac." Colonel Corpman's wife, Peggy, 20th Mission Support Group secretary, says she lost 6 pounds. "Along with losing weight, I have more energy and I sleep better at night," Mrs. Corpman said. "I am frustrated that I have not lost more weight throughout the program but I am happy that I at least have not gained any weight. Some weeks you will lose weight and some weeks you will stay the same." Colonel Corpman said that although he and his wife watch what they eat, they still go out for dinner a couple evenings per week. They just carefully choose what they eat, usually fish or a lean steak. "We bypass the rolls and other starches," the colonel said. "Usually the local restaurant's personnel will let us substitute them for steamed vegetables." "The Shaw Shrinkdown is a superb program with lots of good information," Colonel Corpman said. "Weighing in weekly provided me with much needed diet discipline. Knowing that I'll face the scales each Friday morning made it much easier to bypass the desserts and other goodies." Everyone who participated in the Shrinkdown is welcome to use the HAWC to continue monitoring their weight-loss progress, Ms. Brantley said. For those who missed the Shrinkdown and still want to lose weight, there is a class offered at the HAWC called Sensible Weigh, Ms. Brantley said. Sensible Weigh has four sessions for the class and it meets the first Friday of every month at 10:30 a.m. Individuals interested in joining the class can call the HAWC at 895-1216 or come by to sign up, Ms. Brantley said.