The challenge, organised by Karen Giddings of Vitality Physiotherapy, and partly funded by Recreation SA, measured the “body age” of participants against their chronological age and challenged them to improve their health and fitness over an eight-week period through improved eating habits and exercise.

Ms Giddings said 45 of the participants lost some years, six increased their body age (but only by one or two years) and seven stayed the same age.

About half the participants lost one to three years. “This is highly realistic for a challenge of this time and is an example of changed behaviours and lifestyle modification that can hopefully be maintained,” Ms Giddings said.

She said the 14 who lost between four and six years “has hopefully inspired this group to continue with the lifestyle changes they have made”.

Four stars lost between seven and nine years and were highly motivated, improving their blood pressures, replacing body fat with muscle and improving strength, flexibility and cardiovascular profile.

For those who gained a few years, Ms Giddings said it was never too late to make changes and they could see results in a follow-up planned for March.

“Don’t lose sight of the fact that this is a personal challenge and it is really important that you fully understand your results and what they really mean in terms of your health profile,” Ms Giddings said.

Ms Giddings is already signing on a new group to start in March next year. The program costs $60 and there are just 10 places left.

Ms Giddings gave herself a “C” for her challenge.

“I have to say I am in the no-change group, however I have put on 1.2kg of muscle, which reflects the extra exercise I have been doing. The body fat is still too high, though.”

Recreation SA chief executive officer Rosemary Sage said Kangaroo Island was a star performer across the state.

“We’re really pleased it took off so well. Karen did a lot for hard work for it and small communities often have a greater interest in health issues,” Ms Sage said.