A new year often brings new resolutions, and this year, local health experts are hoping to encourage residents to make healthy lifestyle changes and shed a few pounds along the way.

In its sixth year, Scale Back Alabama, a statewide 10-week weight loss contest, encourages Alabamians to lose weight, to exercise and have fun while doing it. In 2011, more than 33,000 participated in the program and nearly 144,000 total pounds were lost.

Selma will hold its own contest beginning Saturday, Jan. 21 through Jan. 27. Anyone interested in participating may join a team of five and weigh-in at the Selma-Dallas County YMCA.

Fitness program director for the Y Kasey Burton said the goal of the event is for every member on a team to lose 10 pounds. The event, Burton said, is an effort to help combat obesity in the area.

“For one, Alabama is considered one of the most obese states (and) Dallas County and Montgomery are considered worse,” Burton said. “(This) helps people overall — medically, socially … it helps people lose weight and encourages the upcoming generations to be more active.”

The Jan. 21 weigh-in will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the remainder of the week. Weigh-in on Jan. 27 will run all day, Burton said.

There is no weigh-in  Sunday. For those who would like to weigh-in at times not listed, call 874-9622 to make an appointment.

“You don’t have to come in with your team, you can come in by yourself as long as you know the name of your team,” Burton said. “We’re offering a discount on membership for participants who use the YMCA as a weigh-in site.”

There is no charge for participating in the contest, and teams are eligible to win statewide prizes. The contest will end the week of April 7 through April 13.

First place winners will receive $1,000 each, second place winners will receive $500 each and third place winners will receive $250. Winners who lose weight will also be placed in a drawing for special prizes. For more information, visit www.scalebackalabama.com.