“Biggest Loser” winner at Westfield Galleria this Saturday

Olivia Ward will present motivational talk and lead a mile-long walk on anniversary of the mall's Kaiser Permanente Walk to Thrive walking program

A winner from the popular TV show “The Biggest Loser” will make an appearance at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville on Saturday morning.

Olivia Ward, the champion of Season 11, will share her motivational story and tips about getting healthy – and staying healthy – at 8:30 a.m. in the Center Court near JCPenney.

Ward became the biggest loser after dropping 129 lbs. – nearly half her weight – during her 22 weeks on the popular TV show. She now maintains her weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise.

After the motivational talk, Ward will lead the audience on a mile-long walk through the mall.

The event celebrates the one-year anniversary of the mall’s Walk to Thrive walking program, which is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and aims to get local residents up and moving.

More than 2,500 people attended the inaugural Walk to Thrive at the Galleria last February, and upwards of 5,000 have signed up for the walking club. The program includes an opportunity walk with a KP physician every Wednesday morning, and ask him or her questions about health topics. Several hundred walkers have participated in the weekly program, which is free to the public.

“We know from research that walking just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, brings us numerous health benefits,” said Chris Palkowski, MD, physician-in-chief of Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center. “Walking regularly, for example, can help us drop significant amounts of weight, reduce blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol levels.”

A regular walking regimen also can help effectively manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and obesity, which are a growing problem in the United States.

During and after the walk led by Ward, Kaiser Permanente physicians will be available to answer questions from the public.

Following the walk, participants are invited to enjoy fun and healthy activities, including healthy snacks and nutrition knowledge; heart health and stroke awareness; how to manage diabetes and asthma; blood pressure screenings; and free body composition testing.

The activities end at 1 p.m.

Those who sign up for the weekly walking program hosted by Kaiser Permanente (in which a physician leads participants on a one-mile walk through the mall very Wednesday morning), will receive a T-shirt and complimentary gift. Membership in the walking program is free and open to everyone.

Anyone planning to attend Saturday’s Walk to Thrive event can get more information at: www.kpwalktothrive.org/rsvpmaker/olivia.