1:44p.m. 15th March 2008

| By Alan Lander

John Hinde and Michael Ryan are trying to lose 20kg in the Twenty/20 Weight Loss Challenge. Photo: Chris McCormack/173405f

We have a leader – and he’s 10 kilograms lighter than he was on February 8.

The first weigh-in for the Twenty/20 Weight Loss Challenge– where 20 large local men will each lose 20 kilograms or lose $20 a kilo – was yesterday appropriately performed in a restaurant.

Call it an oasis in the desert of abstention, but a few contenders looked mighty happy to be within a arm’s length of anything with an alcohol reading.

Television sales director Hamish Thompson could afford to smile – and possibly indulge a little – as he showed a lead of four kilograms over his nearest rival, electrical maestro John Hinde, who has lost 6kg so far.

But for most it’s going to be a long time between drinks. Ashley Robinson was the only one of the group not to drop a gram. An overseas trip is rumoured to have added a couple of kilos to his girth.

Meanwhile, there is a large field in third place, including local medico Michael Ryan, who registered a 5kg loss, along with thedaily.com.au editor Mark Furler.

Fair play policeman, Beach House Fitness of Maroochydore’s Jeff May, said many participants had been putting the hours, and the effort, into gym workouts.

But word is at least one may have fallen off the tracks.

“We got word Ashley Robinson, who is overseas, has put on 2kg,” Mr Hinde said.

“Apparently the curry didn’t work.”

Dr Ryan said his diet of Lean Cuisine seemed to be working, with his wife joining in.

“There’s no washing up, which is great, “he quipped.

Mr Hinde had a different motivation.

“My wife said I’ll get more sex for each kilo I lose,” he said.

But he was a bit fuzzy on the exchange rate details ...