A competition is being held to improve gut health and contribute to a healthier island.

Participants in the #WeGut2Know challenge will receive gut health tests, advice from coaches and nutritionists and five healthy meals — all free of charge.

Gut health will be tested through CariGenetics’s Gut2Know kit, which analyses gut microbiomes. This kit usually costs $299.

Gut microbiomes consist of trillions of bacteria and other microscopic organisms that live along the digestive tract.

The contestant whose gut health improves the most within three months will win $2,500 in cash.

Organisers invited 15 people to participate in the pilot challenge with five others who are playing for charity.

The five “celebrity contestants” are Carika Weldon, who is participating for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Bermuda; Nadanja Bailey, playing for the Women’s Resource Centre; Gavin Manders, participating for the Port Royal PTA; Caitlin Conyers, playing for Family Centre; and Shawn “Mr Fotogenik” Simmons, participating for the Dalton E. Tucker PTA.

Dr Weldon, who is also the chief executive of the genetic research firm CariGenetics, which is sponsoring the event, said it was “more than a competition, it’s a community movement towards better health”.

She added: “I am quite nervous to see what the status of my gut health is but I am committed to putting my best foot forward to try and win for my chosen charity."

Wholistic Wellness, Nourished Bermuda, the Brand Development Group and Eat Well Bermuda are also sponsoring the contest.

JoAnn Cousins-Simpson, from Wholistic Wellness, said: “Partnering with CariGenetics for this challenge aligns perfectly with our mission of holistic health.

“We're eager to see the positive impact this will have on participants and the wider community."

Shawn Talbot, the chief executive of Nourished Bermuda, said the organisation’s “commitment to a healthier Bermuda align perfectly with the goals of this challenge”.

He added: “Together, we look forward to making a significant impact on the gut health of Bermudians and setting a precedent for the importance of integrated health initiatives.”

Highlighting CariGenetics’s commitment to improving health on the island, Jodi Covington, the chief executive of the Brand Development Group, said the organisation is “thrilled to be part of their journey towards creating a healthier Bermuda”.

More information about gut health and the #WeGut2Know challenge will be provided during two information sessions. The first will take place at the Bermuda Industrial Union on February 12 at 7pm, and the second at St George’s Cricket Club on February 13, also at 7pm.

Anyone 18 years or older can sign up for the challenge for free, and has until midnight on February 16 to complete the online form.

Applicants who show the most interest in improving their gut health and engaging in the challenge’s activities will be chosen to participate.

• To learn more or contribute to the competition as a health or fitness agency, e-mail gut2know@carigenetics.com or visit carigenetics.com/wegut2know