SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Urbana, Ohio — When Kara Brown sent out a request that the contestants of "The Biggest Loser" conduct a fitness event in Urbana, she didn't expect much of a response.

But on Saturday, March 28, two of the show's stars will talk with fans at the Urbana Church of the Nazarene to tell their stories and share some tips to help area residents lead healthier lives.

Brown, who serves as coordinator for the Urbana chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers, said she's hoping the show may provide some additional benefits for the community as well.

Phil and Amy Parham, of Greer, South Carolina, starred in the sixth season of "The Biggest Loser," which airs on NBC. The show challenges contestants to lose weight through proper nutrition and exercise. As a couple, they lost more than 250 pounds on the show.

For Phil Parham, the "90 Day Fitness Challenge" provides a chance to teach others what he learned on the show. The pair promotes weight loss through cardio activity, rest, hydration and eating healthy.

"We felt the responsibility that we had to give back," Phil Parham said.

For many people, it's difficult to maintain a healthy weight because they don't understand how much of an impact a proper diet and sleep can have.

"These are life-changing things, but they're not complicated," he said.

While he's always had an image of himself as overweight, he eventually began to realize how dangerous his weight was for his health and wanted to change so he could live longer for his family, he said.

"Once you get to a certain point, you're overwhelmed by it," he said.

On the show, he learned that instead of quick fix diets, it's often more effective to make smaller changes. Over time, it can lead to dramatic results. Those who take part in the challenge will get essentially the same advice, and will receive daily reminders and tops on small ways to change lifestyle habits, he said.

The show also seemed like a perfect chance to help area residents, Brown said. MOPS is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to young mothers in Champaign County, including offering support and parenting tips.

In addition, if enough tickets are sold, the a portion of the proceeds may be donated to the Sycamore House, a faith-based organization in Urbana that provides information and advice for families facing pregnancy.

"There are plenty of people here that could use that kind of motivation and encouragement," Brown said of the fitness challenge.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.