By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

Scale Back Alabama is back for its 12th year.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, the weight loss competition has had more than 317,372 participants and a cumulative 1.35 million pounds lost statewide.

There is over $14,000 total up for grabs this year. The competition consists of both team and individual prizes. There are three chances for a team to win prize money.

Three teams are drawn to win $1,000 per team member; three teams are drawn to win $500 per team member; three teams are drawn to win $250 per team member. These prizes are given only if both team members lose 10 pounds each.

Forty individuals who lose the required 10 pounds, and their team member did not, are drawn to win $100 each.

This year’s 9-week competition will begin with weigh-in week Jan. 22–28. The competition is free, and participants must be at least 18 years of age and live or work in Alabama. Teams and individuals who weigh-out during the week of April 2 – 8 and succeed in losing at least 10 pounds qualify to win a share of $14,500 in cash prizes. Teams are made up of two people (no more, no less).

Selma residents can register online at scalebackalabama.com/project/register and then visit a local weigh in site. All participants need to bring proof of registration to weigh in.

Callie Nelson, county extension coordinator, said that local businesses can register as a “private site” for their employees to weigh in for the competition.

Participation in this weight loss opportunity can be life changing according to Nelson.

“For most people 10 pounds is gonna be 5-7 percent of their body weight and if you can lose 5-7 percent of your body weight then you reduce your risks for a lot of those risk factors for things like diabetes and hypertension,” Nelson said.

Nelson said this competition provides the motivation needed for a healthy lifestyle in the Selma area.

“We are in one of those counties that have high incidents of several chronic diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure. People need an opportunity be able to do something about it,” Nelson said.

Nelson said the goal of this is event is the same as every year, “a healthier Alabama.”

“The goal is to teach people a healthier way of life and to get people to understand that losing weight can help promote that healthier life. If you can take those pounds off it reduces the risk factor for those chronic diseases,” Nelson said.