Losing weight and maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge for many women, particularly for those juggling careers, marriage, and motherhood. The process can feel more manageable when done collectively, such as through a weight loss competition that offers incentive prizes to participants.
At a women-only gym in Egypt, a weight loss competition is held in the form of a three-month camp attended by dozens of women. Participants are grouped into teams according to their weight category of over 100 kg, under 100 kg, and around 80 kg. In addition to exercising four times a week, they attend lectures on nutrition and psychology, which help them plan balanced meals and build healthier habits.
The registration fee is LE5,000. The first-place winner receives the full amount as a prize, the second-place winner receives half, and the third-place winner receives 25 per cent.
Mai, in her mid-30s, works as a teacher at a private school in Cairo and is a wife and the mother of four, including an infant. She recently participated in one of the competitions. “I gained a lot of weight after giving birth to my youngest daughter and fell into a deep depression. I would drive home from work crying and eating chocolate in the car. I felt completely overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations placed on me,” she said.
“I saw an ad for the gym on Facebook, and it motivated me to start thinking about myself for a change. As a working woman, I started to prepare meals for the whole week on my day off and coordinate my own food plans with my family. I worked hard at the gym and eventually lost 18 kg, which was an incredible achievement for me.”
“Given the many responsibilities women shoulder and the sacrifices they are expected to make for their family, they often neglect their own well-being. This is why these competitions are incredibly important and incentivising,” Mai added.
Another women-only gym approaches competitions differently. It allows participants to earn points for losing excess body fat, which can then be redeemed for discounts on future memberships or prizes.
Iman, the gym’s manager, said that “we are committed to encouraging women to join the gym to improve their lifestyle and overall health through various approaches. Anyone who loses weight earns points that can be used to win prizes or receive membership discounts. We also offer a one-year installment plan and provide a personal trainer at no extra cost.”
Some women are unable to leave their homes, however, though they too need to maintain a healthy diet. “I have two children, the oldest of whom is under five,” Nermine said. “My husband works abroad, and I can’t go out without my kids. I’m unable to go to the gym or even walk around a track, and this caused me to gain weight.”
“I stumbled upon the 40-day online camp. At first, I was sceptical about how effective it would be, but I decided to give it a try,” she said.
At the start of the programme, Nermine answered an extensive questionnaire covering weight, height, age, marital status, eating habits, sources of stress, and medical history. She was also asked to undergo specific tests, including a complete blood count, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance screening, along with body measurements of her chest, waist, and hips.
The follow-up process involved joining a WhatsApp group of around 50 women. A nutritionist provided three tailored diet plans: one for women weighing over 100 kg, another for those between 80 and 100 kg, and a third for those under 80 kg. Each plan included a simple exercise routine designed for the specific weight category and could be followed at home.
“I was required to document everything I ate each day and share it with the group. The nutritionist would then review and comment on my meals. I felt compelled to stick to the plan no matter what, just to avoid criticism in front of others,” Nermine said.
“I managed to lose eight kg without medication, deprivation, or the suffering usually associated with dieting. Now, I’m looking forward to the next challenge to continue my fitness journey and reach my ideal weight.”
Amira Ahmed, a therapeutic nutritionist, said that the camp experience yields better results than private consultations. She finds group settings more motivating, as a collective spirit prevails and participants encourage one another.
However, for her running the camp requires more effort than individual follow-ups, as she needs to simultaneously monitor 50 women over the 40-day programme. She tracks each participant’s progress, reviews their food diaries, and remains available to offer nutritional alternatives.
The participants must share their daily f
ood intake in the WhatsApp group. Before each meal, two cups of water should be consumed. At lunchtime, food should be eaten in the following order: salad first, then protein, and then followed by carbohydrates such as rice or pasta. Sugar intake should be limited to a maximum of three teaspoons, or two teaspoons of honey, and preferably avoided altogether.
In Ahmed’s programme, the participants are advised to avoid excessive salt in their diets and to steer clear of pickles. Soup is also discouraged. If consumed, it should be free of vermicelli, noodles, and fat. Vegetables should be cooked minimally, preferably steamed or eaten raw, while fried foods, fast food, and all types of carbonated drinks should be avoided.
Ahmed’s dietary plan follows a 12-hour eating window. Meals should be consumed within 30 minutes, with thorough chewing and the use of a small spoon to encourage slower, more mindful eating. Exercise is important, but in case of injuries, a 30-minute walk is recommended.
One of the most common challenges reported by women is the craving for sugary foods, particularly during the menstrual cycle. Nutritionists and weight-loss experts acknowledge this and stress that healthy eating should not mean deprivation. As a result, they offer a variety of nutritious dessert recipes that allow participants to enjoy sweet treats while staying on track.
For example, chocolate desserts can be made using coconut oil, raw cocoa, and natural sweeteners like stevia or honey. Another option includes a simple cake made with two eggs, a cup of yoghurt, a spoonful of starch, and stevia or honey, topped with fruit and baked in the oven.
Banana lovers can enjoy a dessert made from two bananas, white honey, sesame seeds, and coconut, baked for 10 minutes. Another alternative is a coconut chocolate treat made with raw cocoa and honey, or a yoghurt and date cake sweetened naturally with dates instead of sugar.
To replace white flour, rice cakes are recommended as a filling snack that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury forms.
Some nutritionists also recommend chocolate hummus – roasted chickpeas blended with raw cocoa and honey – or homemade popcorn made in a covered pot using corn kernels.
Cairo coach Noha also introduces creative and engaging ways to help women incorporate exercise into their daily routines. For instance, she suggests doing glute exercises while frying potatoes, or shoulder exercises while folding laundry.
She offers alternatives to gym workouts, including the use of resistance bands or a simple jump rope, saving time and money while allowing women to stay active at home.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 3 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link: