RAK,THENFAPost: In a powerful celebration of transformation, determination, and healthier living, RAK Hospital has announced the winners of the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2025. Dubai resident and Indian national Amrith Raj, 31, emerged as the Male Champion with a staggering weight loss of 45.7 kilograms. Meanwhile, 42-year-old Spin Ghatai Muhammad Yaqoob, a Pakistani national also based in Dubai, claimed the Female Champion title with an inspiring 25-kilogram loss.
Now in its fifth edition, this nationwide initiative—organized by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Ras Al Khaimah—culminated in a vibrant awards ceremony at the hospital premises. The event was graced by Mr. Khalid Abdulla Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director of the Representative Office, MOHAP – Ras Al Khaimah, alongside key dignitaries, healthcare leaders, and sponsors.
This year’s challenge saw an unprecedented 24,289 participants from across the UAE, making it the most successful edition to date. Ras Al Khaimah accounted for 49% of total participation, reflecting the emirate’s growing commitment to health and wellness. With an almost equal gender split (54% male, 46% female), the initiative engaged individuals, families, corporate teams, and school communities, cementing its role as the UAE’s most inclusive wellness movement.
Winners Share Their Transformative Journeys
Participants who completed the 12-week program recorded an average weight loss of 8.8 kilograms, with many undergoing life-changing transformations. The challenge featured both physical and virtual categories, as well as corporate and school staff competitions. A new Family category, comprising husband & wife teams, saw over 100 couples participating. Top performers were recognized with cash prizes, healthy monthly meal packages, luxury staycations, gym memberships, executive health check-ups, and wellness packages.
In the Male Physical Category, the top three winners were:
• 1st Place: Amrith Raj, Dubai – 45.7 kg loss | Prize: AED 13,800
• 2nd Place: Muhammad Nadeem Saleem Khan, Ajman – 38 kg loss | Prize: AED 7,600
• 3rd Place: Zubair Chaudhry, Dubai – 34.6 kg loss | Prize: AED 3,400
Visibly moved, Amrith Raj shared: “Joining the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge was a turning point in my life. I began my journey the very next day after registering, and over three months, I lost more than 45 kilograms through sheer discipline and determination.
At the start, it was extremely difficult—my weight was very high and even simple tasks like walking felt exhausting. But I committed to a strict diet, completely eliminating sugar and carbs, and made it a point to walk every evening after work, even if only for 15 to 30 minutes. Slowly but surely, I started noticing changes. Today, I feel lighter, more energetic, and I no longer experience shortness of breath when walking. This transformation has been truly life-changing. The challenge gave me the motivation I needed to take control of my health. With the support of a coach, I now plan to maintain and build on this progress.”
In the Female Physical Category, the top three winners were:
• 1st Place: Spin Ghatai Muhammad Yaqoob, Dubai – 25 kg loss | Prize: AED 7,500
• 2nd Place: Afra Ali Rashed Bakheet, RAK – 22.4 kg loss | Prize: AED 4,400
• 3rd Place: Amani Bayan Kashwar, Abu Dhabi – 21.2 kg loss | Prize: AED 2,100
Reflecting on her journey, Spin Ghatai said: “I was hesitant at first, but joining this challenge turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I lost 25 kilograms, and it has been a deeply personal and emotional journey. Initially, I started with a simple diet and gym visits, but I wasn’t seeing much progress.
Then I decided to get serious—I began intermittent fasting and shifted to OMAD (one meal a day) during Ramadan. Even when the gym was closed for 20 days, I didn’t stop. I walked 6,000 to 7,000 steps daily in multiple rounds.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that 80% of weight loss is about diet. Today, I feel light, active, and genuinely happy—like I’ve reclaimed my energy and spirit. This challenge reminded me of my school days when I’d win prizes. And now, stepping onto the stage as the First Prize Winner in the Female Category, I experienced that same joy again. RAK Hospital truly made this possible, and I believe initiatives like this can transform many lives.”
Virtual and Institutional Winners
In the Virtual Category, top honors went to:
• Male: Shashi Rajan Valluvar, Dubai – 13.4 kg loss
• Female: Saira Bano, Sharjah – 18 kg loss
The Corporate Champions Trophy was awarded to Steven Rock for their exceptional team engagement and health outcomes. In the School Staff category, Sharjah Ambassador School emerged as the winner, demonstrating the powerful impact of institutional wellness programs.
A Growing Health Movement with National Impact
Commenting on the challenge’s success, Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, said: “The RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge continues to grow—not only in numbers but in its social influence. This year’s record participation is a testament to the UAE’s rising awareness and commitment to health. People from all walks of life—families, employees, educators—joined with a shared goal: to live healthier.”
He added, “This is no longer just a competition—it’s a community-driven health movement. From Ras Al Khaimah, we are proud to lead by example and now aim to take this initiative global, inspiring people around the world.”
The challenge was supported by a network of generous sponsors who contributed a variety of prizes for the winners, helping to recognize and reward their incredible efforts. Kcal came on board as the Gold Sponsor, with Dr. Nutrition as the Silver Sponsor. Bronze Sponsors included Rixos, Cove Rotana, Fitness Time, and Intercontinental Hotels. Their contributions ranged from luxury staycations and gym memberships to monthly healthy meal packages, & wellness and health checkups, playing a key role in celebrating the participants’ achievements and adding further value to their transformation journeys.
At a Glance: Key Highlights
• Total Participants: 24,289
• Average Weight Loss: 8.8 kg
• Participants Overweight/Obese: 80%
• Heaviest Participants: Male – 291 kg | Female – 197 kg
• Participation by Emirate: RAK (49%), Dubai (31%), Sharjah (8%), Abu Dhabi (7%), Others (5%)
Leave a Reply