By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

Scale Back Alabama is giving thousands of Alabamians a reason to get off the couch and get moving, but the time to register is running short.

The annual weight loss contest has helped Alabamians shed more than one million pounds since 2007.

The Scale Back Alabama 2016 weight-loss competition spans 10 weeks, from Jan. 25 until April 17 with the final weigh-in April 29. Last year, 14,288 teams participated in the competition, losing a record 79,942 pounds.

Those interested in participating can register both online and at local weigh-in sites. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have a body mass index over 20 percent.

Dallas County has three weigh-in locations: Alabama Cooperative Extension System Dallas County Office, YMCA of Selma-Dallas County and Vaughan Regional Medical Center. Participants have until this weekend to signup and weighin.

The last day for Vaughan Regional Medical Center and Alabama Cooperative Extension System is Friday at 5 p.m. The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County will have its last weigh-in day on Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Callie Nelson, County Extension Coordinator, said this is the first year the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Dallas County Office has participated as a weigh-in site for and said it’s a great way for people to begin their journey to a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s a great initiative to help make people healthier, help them focus on getting healthier,” Nelson said.

Every year, Scale Back Alabama awards multiple cash prizes for teams and individuals. Teams will be eligible to win up to $2,000.

All teams are two members this year. For a team to qualify for a prize, both members must lose at least 10 pounds during the 10-week contest, documented by an official weigh-in site. Participants can qualify for the individual prizes regardless of their team’s achievement.

Nelson said in addition to being an official weigh-in site, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is providing information on healthy eating and dieting so participants can maintain their healthier lifestyle.

Alabama has the sixth highest obesity rate among adults in the country, according to the Scale Back Alabama website.

“We are trying to provide education so that we can help people change behaviors because that’s the only way you can really keep your weight off,” Nelson said.

Stacey Buchanan, YMCA front desk coordinator, said the YMCA offers plenty of classes and encouragement for people trying to lose weight and get in better shape.

“I just want people to be healthy,” Buchanan said. “As a weigh-in site, they can come in and they can see what we have to offer if they don’t want to do it by themselves.”

The Scale Back Alabama initiative is sponsored by the Alabama Hospital Association, Alabama Public Health Department and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. For more information on Scale Back Alabama, visit scalebackalabama.com.