Fund Raising Through Weight Loss (Reduction in BMI)

homer-simpson-diet-screencapThis is a win-win for the participant and the beneficiary organisation of the fund raising. It basically involves someone being sponsored for the extent of weight they loose. We recommend that the measure should be their BMI (Body Mass Index) rather then actual kilos. The movement in the BMI is healthier then just weight and means the performance of participants is comparable. Also it takes the focus off a participant’s actual weight.

You can use online BMI calculators such as that of the Heart Foundation or the calculator below.



The body mass index is calculated based on the following formula:
Bodyweight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared
BMI = x KG / (y M * y M)
x=bodyweight in KG
y=height in m
Example for 175 cm height und 70 kg weight:
BMI = 70 / (1.75 * 1.75) = 22.86

How the Fund Raising Would Work

The participants register online and upload an image of the scales showing their weight and photo showing their height such as when shown against a tape measure. This provides verification of their starting BMI.

Supporters pledge or sponsor an amount for each one tenth of a BMI point lost. So if their starting BMI was 40.12 and they ended with 37.31 the BMI loss would be 2.81. When taken to the nearest one tenth would be 2.8. So if a supporter pledged $1 for each one tenth of a BMI lost their total pledge would be $28.

You need to set a period over which the weight loss will be measured. The length of the period will depend on how long you can sustain interest in the event and still get discernible results. Typically 3 months or a school term would be recommended. For health reasons a person in normal circumstances should not lose more than 1 kg per week. An average loss of 0.7 kg per week over a 13 week period (3 months) would be 9.1 kg.

Sponsors can pay an initial amount per unit on the understanding that the balance is paid when the results are certified. So it operates as a pledge. Another option is they simply fill out an online form and pay the sponsored amount when the results are certified.

Participants should be encouraged to get a medical check-up prior to commencing the challenge.

The participant will lodge their weight using an online form at the same time each week. They can opt to have the results published in a table. They can also maintain a weekly blog about their experiences. They can also provide tips and publicise and special supporters in their blog. You can provide links in newsletters to their blogs so as to help maintain interest.

You have the option to make the final weigh in a live event which may be in conjunction with another event such as a fete.

Make It a Team Event

Making it a team event takes the focus off individuals and their weight. Supporters sponsor the collective loss of the team rather than the individual. There is also a support structure to help team members get through the tough times. Each team could have their own blog to share their experiences without having to identify individual members of the team. You can combine team and individual participants with average loss being calculated for the team.

Event Sponsors

You could seek sponsorship for the event from health professionals, gyms, and members of the wight loss industry. They can also provide prizes for the winning individuals and teams.

BMI Calculator


These ranges of BMI are used to describe levels of risk:

  • Overweight (not obese), if BMI is 25.00 to 29.99.
  • Class I (low-risk) obesity, if BMI is 30.00 to 34.99.
  • Class II (moderate-risk) obesity, if BMI is 35.0 to 39.99.
  • Class III (high-risk) obesity, if BMI is equal to or greater than 40.0.

Check out the Demo Sponsorship page at our Demo Store