Which way is more fair in a weight loss competition? Pounds or percentage?

[84cricket84]

I have people who are fairly large, and others within 50 pounds of their healthy weight. Still have decided to do a weight loss challenge. Which method of determining the winner is more fair? I've always seen contests go by pounds lost, but don't want people discouraged and not join/leave before it begins.

[Cryostatic]

Unless the people competing are the same height/weight, it's unfairly skewed towards the heavier person either way, because that person will have both a higher weight and body fat percentage to start with, and the heavier you are, the quicker you slough off pounds and reduce your BMI (assuming the same routine).

I'd say don't give people your judgement criteria right off the bat, and I'd also suggest that you create two separate (maybe even secret) categories from which you can choose winners at the end. Perhaps those who are under and those who are over a certain BMI.

[pseudomagic]

Referring to bmi equal fail

[Cryostatic]

Well, since you've said so, it must be true. I've completely changed my opinion.

[CourtJester]

Measuring body fat percentage is definitely more accurate. With pounds/weight it can complicated because weight include water weight, muscle mass, fat, etc.

[Anonymous]

I believe percentage is the most fair. Even someone is heavily overweight may not lose weight right off. They may just lose a ton of inches. Especially if you have multiple types of people I would go with body fat.