Retired Lt. Karen Brabandt competed in the category for women age 46 and over and won after losing 24 pounds in 12 weeks.

"I am really proud of myself for this achievement," said Brabandt, occupational health manager, Naval Air Station North Island Medical Center. "I am enormously grateful to God, the Body for Life team, my family and coworkers for the immense support I received."

She received $20,000, a Body for Life champion leather jacket, trophy, home gym, reimbursement of all Energy-Athletics-Strength (EAS) products purchased during the challenge, and will be featured in the new book, "Champions, Body for Life," due to release June 3.

"The Body for Life program was a big challenge for me," said Brabandt. "I followed the complete 12-week program with a nutritional plan and routine exercises to better my overall health and lifestyle, and I accomplished my goal."

Millions of people have challenged themselves to improve their lives and bodies through the Body for Life challenge. The competition is based on the New York Times bestseller book, "Body for Life," written by EAS founder, Bill Phillips.

"Brabandt is a role model for everyone," said Capt. Richard Joralmon, director, Navy Branch Health Clinic Coronado. "Now that she has reached her goal on losing weight, it is going to be helpful for others who are out of standards and want a healthy way to get and maintain the best fitness of their life."