Thilmany Paper's Scalebusters win $10,000 in weight loss contest

A five-man team dubbed the "Nicolet Scalebusters" lost a combined 292 pounds to claim victory and $10,000 in the Wisconsin Matchup weight-loss challenge

The first-time contest, organized by the wellness firm HealthyWage, included 212 teams that trimmed a collective 6,431 pounds. Thilmany Papers, based in Kaukauna, had the winning Scalebusters and nine other teams that combined to drop 863 pounds.

Rather than prescribe set diets and workout regimens, HealthyWage promotes smart eating, healthier lifestyles and teamwork. Offering 100 bucks to anyone who reduces their body mass index below the obese threshold and cash prizes to winning teams proved effective.

"You didn't want to let your team down," said Scott Spranger, a Scalebuster. "It created good competition and you didn't want to be the weakest link."

The team from Thilmany beat the Foremost Fattyz from Foremost Farms, in Baraboo, and the BMI Burglars from Ruud Lighting, in Racine. First and second place paid $5,000 and $3,000.

"Our team stayed close the entire contest and allowed me to lose weight," said Ana Romero, a member of the BMI Burglars. "I dropped many pant sizes because of the competition and have a new outlook on life, not to mention extra energy to keep up with my three boys."

The Wisconsin Matchup counters the trend in Wisconsin, where more than a quarter of the adult population is obese, based on the BMI standards.