Bermuda’s 100 Day Challenge has begun with 27 people embarking on a weight loss programme during which participants will be hoping to shed as many as 50 pounds.

Rigorous exercise and diet regimes will the key to success, and already those taking part have been weighed-in.

Now the hard work begins as they take the first steps to changing their lifestyle.

As the days tick by, the contestants will be monitored and their progress shown on local TV.

Among those taking part is Katharyn Albouy, who said: “I am doing this because I have four daughters and they need their mother around. I want to stay healthy for them and see them grow as young ladies.”

She plans to lose 55 pounds to reach her goal of 180lbs.

“It is going to be hard work, but I am determined to do it and after the Challenge, I am determined to carry on.”

Tianna Saltus said: “I am almost 30. It is time to improve my overall health. I cannot do it by myself and I am determined to carry on after the Challenge has finished.”

And Akil Darrell said: “I am having trouble losing weight, I keep going up and down. I am not going to give up now until I am skinny. I feel like I weigh three whales.”

The programme is sponsored by Colonial and the first of four TV shows will air on Channel 9 on February 28 which will chart the selection process and introduce the candidates.

All the entrants will get free enrolment to the Colonial Wellness programme, Zest, giving them access to their own private online account where they can upload their physical activity and nutrition as well as an activity tracking device that syncs to their account.

Jacqueline Perreault, Colonial’s Corporate Wellness Director, who is in charge of Zest, said the determination shown by the contestants was inspiring.

“They are really helping to set an example to the rest of Bermuda,” she said. “As we know, and as we keep saying, the island has some serious health issues and it is great to see this group of people determined to go out and help themselves get healthier.”

Andrew Phillips, Project Director for the Bermuda 100 Day Challenge, said over the course of the Challenge, selected Saturday boot camps would be open up to the public to train with the contestants.

He added: “The weigh-in at Island Nutrition went very smoothly and everyone now knows exactly what their personal challenge is. I sense a real determination among the contestants and we cannot wait to see how this turns out.”