Founder of RI fitness program wins national award

PROVIDENCE - Shape Up Rhode Island, the Ocean State’s quieter variation of “The Biggest Loser,“ has received a grant to make the weight loss and fitness program more accessible to low-income residents.

The statewide weight loss and fitness challenge, founded by a Brown University medical student struck by how many health ailments can be prevented, has received a $105,000 national health care prize.

Rajiv Kumar, the program creator, says the money will be used to help low-income residents who may have been discouraged by the $20-per-person entrance fee.

Kumar founded Shape Up Rhode Island in 2005. About 35,000 Rhode Islanders have since competed over the last four years. Unlike the popular TV show, there are no large cash prizes given to the person who sheds the most pounds.