Dubai resident loses 45.7kg, wins RAK Weight Loss Challenge

Dubai resident and Indian national Amrith Raj, 31, emerged as the Male Champion with a staggering weight loss of 45.7 kilogrammes and won the prize money of Dhs13,800 and also vowed to enter again in the competition to shed more body weight.

Raj was one of top 10 winners of “biggest losers” challenge – the 5th RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2025.

In the female category, Dubai-based Spin Ghatai Muhammad Yaqoob, 42-year-old Pakistani national claimed the Female Champion title with an inspiring 25-kilogramme loss.

The nationwide initiative has been organised by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Ras Al Khaimah. The award ceremony was attended by 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.

Participants who completed the 12-week programme recorded an average weight loss of 8.8 kilogrammes, 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 recognised 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: Dhs13,800; 2nd Place: Muhammad Nadeem Saleem Khan, Ajman – 38 kg loss, Prize: Dhs7,600; 3rd Place: Zubair Chaudhry, Dubai – 34.6 kg loss, Prize: Dhs3,400.

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 kilogrammes 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.”